Scrap AFSPA call echoes at Anti-Repression Day observance
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 15 2022: Civil society organisations and human rights activists of the state on Friday observed Anti-Repression Day in commemoration of the historic nude protest staged by 12 women near the western gate of Kangla on July 15, 2004 denouncing the atrocities committed on innocent people including women and children by security forces under the guise of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

The observance function held at Ima Khunthokhanbi, Thangmeiband was organised by Observation Committee Anti-Repression Day-2022 in coordination with Thangmeiband Apunba Nupi Lup (THANIL).

The event was attended by organising committee chairperson Khangenbam Anandi, UCM vice president YK Dhiren Meetei, Extra Judicial Execution Victim Families Association (EEVFAM) president Takhellambam Renu, Tangkhul Shanao Long former president P Veronica Zingkhai, Thangmeiband Athletic Union advisor Khumukcham Momon and THANIL vice president Kabrambam Manisana as presidium members.

Delivering the key note address of the observance, Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL) general secretary Ng Parvapati said that the entire people of Manipur were shocked when Thangjam Manorama was found brutally raped and killed by Assam Rifles after being picked up from her house on the intervening night of July 10 and 11, 2004 .

On July 15 the same year, 12 mothers of Manipur took the decisive step of disrobing themselves in front of the western gate of Kangla, the then headquarters of 17 Assam Rifles, in protest against the killing of Manorama.

The historic protest against the atrocities committed by security forces under the guise of AFSPA will remain etched in the memory of the people, she said while appealing to the people to seriously ponder over the daring and unprecedented act of the 12 brave women for future generation and militarisation in the land.

Advocate Leishangbam Jadu, PANDM president Yumnamcha Dilipkumar, Human Rights Alert executive director Babloo Loitongbam and COHR chairman cum JCILPS convener Phulindro Konsam were among the resource persons who spoke during the observance.

Babloo said that the ongoing people's movement against AFSPA and for human rights protection will not end any time soon and hence people of both hills and valley need to carry forward the movement with a united voice.

The historic nude protest by 12 women in front of Kanga will ever remain in Manipur's history written in letters of gold and the documentary of 12 women has been shown to the global people by uploading their stories on youtube channel of HRA.

He also thanked young students who documented stories of the 12 brave women and translated into English.

Atrocities on innocent civilians by security forces under the guise of AFSPA started in the early 1960s in hill districts particularly Ukhrul, Senapati and Tamenglong first and then continued in valley areas from early 1980s.Babloo recalled and stressed the need for a collective movement of hills and valley people against the draconian legislation to bring peace and end repression.

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