Intl Human Rights Day : Manipuris go hungry in solidarity with Sharmila
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 10 2008: Hunger relay strike in support of Irom Chanu Sharmila who has been on fast for more than 8 years now demanding repeal of AFSPA, photo exhibition and seminar on the theme of human rights violation and rally marked the International Human Rights Day which was observed in different parts of the State today.

On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, Sharmila Kanba Lup launched an indefinite hunger relay strike from today at Porompat PDA complex here raising the demand for saving the life of Irom Chanu Sharmila and withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 .

On the first day agitation , members of Manipur Tammi-Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup; Women's Association for Civic Action, Kangleipak; Momnu Erikkhombi Lup; Apunba Kanglei Shinnaibi Lup; United Women's Front; MEELAL and Khwairamband Keithel Semgat Sagat Lup participated in the hunger relay strike.

Sharmila : The inspiration

On the second day tomorrow, members of Nongchup Imphal Meira Paibi Apunba Lup would be carrying on with the agitation.

Threatened Indigenous People's Society (TIPS), Manipur observed the day along with organising a photo-exhibition at Manipur Central Youth Club, Keishampat here.

The observance function was attended by retired District and Session Judge C Upendra Singh as chief guest and TIPS president Aslam Khan as functional president.

The president of Ethno Heritage Council (HERICOUN) Rehang Chothe, president of National Identity Protection Committee (NIPCO) Yumnam Nabachandra, vice president of All Manipur Rickshaw Drivers and Pullers' Welfare Association M Rajeshkumar Singh, general secretary of Federation of Regional Indigenous Societies Joy Chingkham, Irom Shighajit of Just Peace Foundation and social worker Dr Waikhom Ramesh Meetei were also present at the occasion as guests of honour.

Delivering the key note address of the observance function, general secretary of TIPS Tondon Moirang Asemcha said that people of Manipur have not been able to enjoy their rights due to atrocities being committed under the guise of the atrocious and repressive Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

It is only when the rights to life is ensure that every person could enjoy their economic, political and cultural rights.

But this has not been happening in Manipur and as an extension of the atrocities being committed, many women have been raped while many people have lost their lives in fake encounter or in other form of extra-judicial killings including custodial deaths over the last many years even as the whereabouts of many others have not yet been able to trace.

On the other hand, the voice of the people against such atrocities are being voice with ruthless force and the struggle of Irom Chanu Sharmila who has been on fast for more than 8 years now demanding removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act is being ignored by the Government of India.

Speaking at the occasion, Rehang Chothe said it is high time for the people living in both the hill and the valley of Manipur to join hands and fight for human rights. We should stop hatred and killing among each other, he added.

Manipur Human Rights Commission joined hands with Human Rights Initiative and Manipur Human Rights Organisation in observing 60th International Human Rights Day along with organising a seminar on the theme of 'Justice and Dignity in Manipur' at State Guest House here today.

Member of Manipur Human Rights Commission Ng Nongyai was the chief guest of the observance function which was also attended by Chairperson of Manipur Human Rights Initiative Dr RK Rajen and president of Manipur Human Rights Organisation P Tomcha Meetei as presidium members.

At the end of the seminar conducted with retired District and Session Judge C Upendra Singh as moderator, a three-point recommendation was also adopted.

Stressing on joint co-operation, the first recommendation stated that all concerned organisations, lawyers, social activists, journalists, Meira Paibis and other people in Manipur shall initiate, co-ordinate and volunteer to have concerted efforts for giving legal assistance to the victims of human rights violation in Manipur.

Citing the instance of giving Rs 25 lakhs for the victims of the recent Mumbai terror attack and jut Rs 3 lakhs for the Ragailong bomb blast and Rs 1 lakh for the victims of human rights violations by the State actors, the second recommendation stated that the Government should guarantee equality of dignity, life and liberty of the people of Manipur.

The third recommendation maintained that realising the root cause of armed conflict in the region and to enable resolution of the conflict, the Government of India should initiate confident building measures by repealing AFSPA and other excessive laws imposed in Manipur, using people's opinion democratically, initiating purposeful and effective political dialogue and undertaking trauma healing process and rehabilitation of the victims of human rights violation.

The session also resolved that the copies of the recommendations would be send to the Government of India and Manipur as well as to the International Organisations and other UN bodies.

On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, members of All Manipur Nupi Marup took out a rally here today demanding passing of the Bill for reservation of women in the Winter session of the Parliament.

Starting from the road in front of Family Welfare Department, the rally concluded at GM Hall as the police stopped the rallyists from proceeding further.

However, some selected members of the All Manipur Nupi Marup were allowed to go and submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister.

The main point highlighted in the memorandum related to the demand for passing of the Bill for reservation of 30 percent of the seats in the State Assemblies and the Parliament during the winter session of the Parliament which begun from today.

The copies of the memorandum have also been reportedly faxed to the Prime Minister and the Lok Sabha Speaker.

The Manipur State Bharat Scuts and Guides also observed International Human Rights Day at its training centre at Lamphel today.

State Chief Commission of Bharat Scouts and Guides Th Ibopishak and Headquarters Commissioner P Shitaljit Singh graced the occasion as chief guest and functional president respectively.

Attended by many Scouts and Guides coming from various districts of the State, many resource persons spoke on th issues of human rights at the occasion.