MSF calls for total scrapping of AFSPA from state
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 16 2022: Commemorating the death anniversary of 'Athouba' Pebam Chittaranjan, who self-immolated as a protest against AFSPA, 1958, Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) observed the 18th Students' Martyrdom Day on Tuesday.

MSF paid fitting tributes at Students' Martyrdom complex located at Bishnupur and at Chittaranjan's Takhellambam Leikai residence.

Later, MSF volunteers and students took out a march from his residence to THAU ground, Thangmeiband holding placards inscribing 'Ban AFSPA not our voices' and 'Repeal AFSPA'.

A public convention was also organised at the ground.

Speaking at the meeting, MSF president Khangembam Bidyasagar demanded that AFSPA should be repealed from the whole state and mere lifting of the disturbed area status from some places is not satisfactory.

Repeal of the draconian law AFSPA is the demand of MSF and the people and it is also what the 'human torch' Pebam Chittaranjan sacrificed his life for, he continued.

With the lift of disturbed area status from nine police station areas by the present BJP government, AFSPA was scrapped from areas under 15 police station, Bidyasagar noted and lauded the government for such act , but hastened to assert that doing away with disturbed area status from some places is not the demand of MSF.

He continued that MSF along with the people will continue its movement until AFSPA is repealed from the entire Manipur.

Athouba Pebam Chittaranjan self-immolated and sacrificed his life demanding repeal of AFSPA, the president maintained, while adding that sacrifice of Chittaranjan woke up the people and reignited the movement against black law 'AFSPA'.

While urging the people to support the movement, Bidyasagar demanded both state and central governments for complete repeal of AFSPA from the state.

Speaking at the tribute event, social scientist Dr Dhanabir Laishram compared imposition of AFSPA, 1958 as permanent emergency.

There is no right to life in such area where the act is imposed, but may provide other rights like right to education and to preserve culture and tradition among others.

Though several rights may be given to the people, the Act empowers security forces to kill anyone at any time, he pointed out.

Stating that the death of Pebam Chittaranjan Mangang had far reaching consequences, he continued that self-immolation by a youth on the day India celebrates its Independence Day should not be taken lightly.

Chittaranjan left by shedding a light to the people.

There is a dire need to ignite the sense of belongingness, patriotism and love for the people, Dhanabir maintained, while expressing apprehension that AFSPA, 1958 could be imposed again in places where it was lifted.

The observance was attended by Manipur State Human Rights Commission acting chairperson Khaidem Mani, Committee on Human Rights chairman Phulindro Konsam and Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba, Manipur president Longjam Memchoubi as presidium members.

A voluntary blood donation camp was also held at THAU ground as a part of the observance.

Earlier in the day, representatives of various organisations paid floral tributes to the bust of 'Athouba Chittaranjan' installed in front of CI College, Bishnupur.

Then 28-year-old student leader Pebarn Chittaranjan sacrificed his life, by self-immolating in pursuance of the public demand to repeal the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 from Manipur on August 15, 2004.He was later given the title of 'Athouba'.

Paying of floral tributes was led by United Clubs' Organisation Bishnupur president W Basanta, working president Rabikanta, Anti-Drug Campaign Youth Wing commander Th Robin, MSF Bishnupur District Committee president Tinchu Chandam and secretary Kh Ibungo Singh.

Later, in the evening, candles were lighted and balloons released at the site where Chittaranjan fell after he set himself on fire near the Bishnupur Municipal Council office.

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