MSF observes 8th Students' Martyrdom day
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, August 16, 2012: Remembering Pebam Chittaranjan who self immolated himself to press the demand for repealing AFSPA during the unrest of 2004 on this day, Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) observed the 8th Students' Martyrdom at Thau Ground here today.

MSF has been observing Students' Martyrdom Day on August 16 every year in fond memory of Pebam Chittaranjan, a student, who self-immolated himself demanding repeal of AFSPA from Manipur during the unrest of 2004 when the people of Manipur raised up as once against the sensational rape and murder of Thangjam Manorama by personnel of Assam rifles.

The function started early in the morning with offering floral tributes at the place where Chittaranjan carried out the self immolation at Bishnupur Bazaar.

Soon after, hundreds of people came out and paid floral tributes at his burial place at Takhellambam Leikai Youth Club playground.

Later, a rally was taken out starting from Takhellambam Leikai to Thau Ground where a public meeting was held.

Speaking on the occasion, Thounaojam Iboyaima, Social worker, said that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1952, was introduced in the state as the people of Manipur boldly declared that they did not want to remain under the rule of India anymore.

The act was deliberately introduced in the state to curve the revolutionary movements in the state.

Kuki Women's Union (KWU) president Rose Mangshi, who attended the function as one of the presidium members, said that the people of the Northeast have been suffering a lot since imposition of AFSPA in the region.

If AFSPA was not enforced in the state, Chittaranjan would not have died, she maintained.

She further said that Manipur is now facing a number of issues and no Manipuri can now stay in the country's big cities like Delhi, Pune and Bangalore because of lack of security.

She suggested that the people should not keep mum on such issue but confront them in one spirit.

KT Rahman, President, All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) said that the number of underground organisations in the restive state has increased by manifold since enforcement of the controversial draconian Act way back in 1980, and it is high time that for the people to extend support to the movement against AFSPA in the state.

He said that the Act has done nothing other than making the people suffer so far.

He also underscored the need to strengthen the movement against AFSPA with a united effort.

Saying that the people also need to oppose and raise strong voice against NIA and introduction of the much debated NCTC in the state, Rahman said, "We should stand together on a common platform and confront black laws and those who are challenging the state integrity".

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