Repeal AFSPA calls mark Thangjam Manorama tribute event
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 11 2025: While reflecting on suffering and suppression of people under the garb of counter-insurgency operations and immunity granted to security personnel under the Armed Forces' Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1058,, Apunba Lup Manipur coordinator Phulindro Konsam said leaders of the state should stand united in working out a policy to end the draconian legislation instead of skirting responsibility.

Phulindro made this appeal during the 21st death anniversary of Thangjam Manorama jointly observed by Thangjam Manorama Memorial Trust and the Apunba Lup Manipur at Bamon Kampu community hall, Imphal East district, on Friday.

Repeal AFSPA calls mark Thangjam Manorama tribute event

Thangjam Manorama, it may be mentioned, was found brutally killed on July 11, 2004 after she was apprehended by the Assam Rifles.

Her controversial death amid outcries against misuse of provisions of the AFSPA, 1958, sparked intense and widespread protests including the historic nude protest by women in front of the western gate of Kangla, the then Assam Rifles headquarters.

Addressing the gathering at the observance function, Phulindro recalled that Thangjam Manorama was taken into custody by personnel of 17 Assam Rifles in the presence of her family members on the evening of July 10,2004 only to be found killed the next morning.

Even though people demanded pun ishment against those involved in her killing and repeal of the AFSPA, there is no report of punitive against the accused personnel till date.

With the continued imposition of AFSPA in Manipur, there is high possibility of repeat of brutal tortures and killings under the shadow of AFSPA.

Accordingly, political leaders of the state should set aside differences and stand united to scrap the draconian AFSPA, he said adding that political leaders should also stop blame-game on the issue and rather mount pressure to the Centre for complete repeal of AFSPA from the state.

According to Phulindro Konsam, Indian leaders opposed and launched intense movement against the imposition of Armed Forces' Special Powers Ordinance, 1942 by the colonial British throughout the sub-continent in 1942.However, after the British left, Indian Parliament passed AFSPA-194S in 1958 with the incorporation of more severe provisions than the Ordinance without proper discussion.

The Act gives unbridled powers to the armed forces of the country even to the extent of killing on mere suspicion.

Scores of innocent civilians have fallen victims to this draconian legislation and among them were the cases of Chanu Rose and Sanjita, whose whereabouts could not be found till date after they were picked up by security forces.

Even though Thangjam Manorama was arrested from her house on the charge of having link with an underground group, no weapon or incriminating document were recovered from her possession, Phulindro pointed out.

Strongly condemning continued imposition of the draconian AFSPA in Manipur and silence of the elected representatives, Phulindro Konsam said the draconian legislation has exacerbated human rights violations and shielded perpetrators from accountability.

While India has progressed politically and economically, the draconian and colonial laws like AFSPA reflect the persistence of militarised governance in Manipur and the NE region, he said adding that people's suffering under AFSPA remains unaddressed.

Reiterating that the Act perpetuates systemic human rights violations and grants impunity to security forces, he also criticised political leaders for their silence, calling it a betrayal of the people's long standing demand for justice and dignity.

The observance function was also attended by many civil society leaders like Joy Chingkham, Rupachandra Nongthonbam, Joy Konthoujam and Thangjam Manorama Memorial Trust president Thiyam Nilbir.

All the speakers reiterated the urgent need for the complete repeal of AFSPA from Manipur and the region at large.

Earlier, people paid floral tributes to the portrait of Manorama and the ceremony ended with the renewed pledge to continue the struggle for justice and to honour her memory as a symbol of resistance against state violence and oppression.

The observance served as a powerful reminder of the unresolved injustice surrounding her brutal killing, allegedly committed by personnel of the 17 Assam Rifles in 2004 under the controversial AFSPA .