Lift AFSPA from two hill dists on trial basis : C Upendra
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 05 2014: Justice (retired) C Upendra has suggested the Government to lift AFSPA from two hill districts of the State on trial basis like in Imphal Municipal areas.

He made this observation while speaking at a deliberation session organised by United NGOs Mission at Lamyanba Shanglen today.

Apart from constituting a working committee to spearhead the movement against the draconian Act, the session also took three other resolutions.

The session, which was moderated by Dr Lokendra Aramba, recommended to chalk out an action plan towards carrying out effective campaigns against AFSPA.

The session also resolved to work out a plan to bring together the individuals of different professions in the campaign for repeal of AFSPA.

Speaking at the deliberation session, C Upendra opined that revocation of AFSPA from the State is not an easy task.

He however suggested the Government to lift the controversial Act from two hill districts on trial basis like in Imphal Municipal areas.

Taking part at the session, U Nabakishore said that the Government of India has not rightly acknowledged the conflict situation prevailing in Manipur.

Although, human rights violations are rampant in the State under the cover of AFSPA, the Centre takes it as a means of checking insurgency movement.

Mentioning some counter insurgency operations which saw serious human rights violations committed by security forces, Nabakishore demanded immediate repeal of AFSPA which gives sweeping power to the Army.

He also called on all concerned to examine various legal and non-legal points which may help in lifting of the Act in consultation with experts working at the global level.

On the otherhand, he also urged the armed organisations operating in the State to respect the protocol of the Geneva Convention.

Human Rights Alert Executive Director Babloo Loitongbam while speaking at the deliberation session expressed concern over the omission of the issue by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at a recent press conference although he had assured the people of Manipur during his visit to the State that AFSPA would be replaced by a more humane Act.

Although, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took keen initiative in scrapping POTA and TADA by writing to MPs to campaign against them, no such serious initiative has been taken up by the Commission regarding repeal of AFSPA so far, he rued.

Human Rights Alert has requested the Commission to take a concrete stand on the issue, Babloo added.

Social Activist Dr Dhanabir Laishram observed that holding of elections does not serve any purpose in a State like Manipur where there is no Right to Life.

Editors Guild President A Mobi said that people are yet to understand the importance of the campaign against AFSPA.

They are still not serious about the movement against AFSPA although they take keen interest in light night housie raffles, he said.

Dr Debabrata Roy, Ima Leirik, Momon Leima, Akoijam Memcha, Dr O Kullabidhu, Sorojini, RK Ranjit and M Sobita also spoke at the deliberation session.

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