'Repeal AFSPA from North East' AMSU, COCOMI protest killing of civilians
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 09 2021: In a show of dissent against the brutal killing of innocent civilians by security forces at Mon district in Nagaland on December 4, All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) took out a rally under the supervision of North East Students Organization (NESO), today.

The rally which began at around 11:30 am saw a huge turnout of students.

It was flagged off from the head office of AMSU at DM University campus, passed through Khuyathong and JN Manipur Dance Academy to reach its final destination back at the head office of AMSU.

Slogans such as "Repeal AFSPA from Manipur'', "Stop killing innocent civilians" and "We stand against AFSPA 1958" filled the air as the rally progressed.

Addressing the gathering, Vikramjit Thongam, general secretary AMSU, categorically stated that AFSPA should be repealed from the North East.

He added that security forces have carried out countless atrocities under the protection of the draconian Act.

'Repeal AFSPA from North East' AMSU, COCOMI protest killing of civilians

He elaborated further and stated that 1528 civilian lives had been lost as a direct result of this act.

Citing the Mon massacre, he ruefully remarked that similar incidents of bloodshed have been occurring in Manipur.

Even when the Supreme Court directs the CBI to conduct investigation on these unfortunate incidents, the prosecution fails to sanction the order and the security forces continue to do as they please, Vikramjit Thongam continued.

Further, he expressed strong condemnation of the Oting massacre on behalf of AMSU and demanded appropriate punishments for the perpetrators.

Calling for repeal of AFSPA from all North East States, AMSU pledged to support NESO in all their future endeavors in this regard.

AMSU also appealed to Chief Minister N Biren Singh to ensure that this Act is repealed during his term.

Separately, AMSU submitted a memorandum to Major General Alok Naresh, IGAR South, demanding the repeal of AFSPA from North East.

AMSU also held a candle light vigil in association with Manipur University Students Union (MUSU) at Manipur University gate against the killing of innocent civilians in Nagaland.

Several civil society organisations staged a protest against "the brutal massacre of innocent lives" at Oting in Nagaland's Mon district on December 4 aty Keishampat today.

At the protest demonstration staged under the aegis of Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), placards that read 'COCOMI condemns Oting massacre', 'Stop killing innocent people', 'Repeal AFSPA 1958', 'Respect North East people', 'Stop dehumanization of NE people' were displayed.

The gathering also observed silence for two-minutes and urged the Union Government to repeal the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from North East India.

COCOMI resolved to intensify their protest to repeal the draconian law from the region.