Workshop reiterates call for total repealing of AFSPA
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, January 14 2014 : Various re-commendations, particularly against continuous imposition of draconian laws and calls for protection of human rights, were adopted at a one-day workshop on International Hu-manitarian Law and AFSPA 1958 jointly organised by All Manipur NGOs Forum (AMNGOF) and United NGO Mission Manipur at Manipur Press Club today.

Held with former Manipur State women Commission chairperson Dr Ch Jamini Devi, Senior Citizens for So-ciety general secretary Prof L Sadananda Singh and AMN-GOF president Y Surchandra Singh as the presidium members the workshop recom- mended to the Government of India for repealing AFSPA 1958 from North East india, particularly Manipur; respect and implement the Geneva Conventions 1949's common Article 3 and Additional Protocol II of 1977; establish truth Commission and Special Investigation Team to probe all cases of rape, torture and killing of innocent civilians, women and children and deliver justice to the victims; take punitive action against those accused of rape, murder, torture of women and girl as per law of the land; initiate reconciliation among ethnic communities in the State for long term sustainable peace in the region; punish human traffickers and rehabilitate victims of trafficking; set up Independent Commission against Corruption; and immediately stop torture and summoning of civilians by security forces.

Presidium members at the workshop

To political armed opposition groups, the workshop recommended that all concerned respect and implement the Geneva Conventions 1949's common Article 3 and Additional Protocol II of 1977 as well as urged for reconciliation among the factions and stop inter-factional fighting in the interest of the common people.

Earlier as one of the resource persons, Human Rights law Network director Rakesh Meihoubam reminded elected representatives of the people that scrapping AFSPA from Manipur is their prerogative as well as obligation owed to the people for reposing faith upon them.

Pointing out that it would be wishful thinking to expect legislators from other State(s) initiate procedural measures for repealing AFSPA from manipur, he suggested that in the upcoming elections individuals capable of repealing pro-military laws or committed to redress grievances of the people be elected.

Human Rights Alert director Babloo Loitongbam, re- source person of the workshop, opined that inspite of the Supreme Court endorsing AFSPA's enforcement as a legal necessity to combat elements inimical to the country, there is need to review the Act's brutal characteristics as was evident when people, particularly innocent civilians, suffered at the hands of security forces.

Observing that reluctance to repeal the pro-military legislation from Jammu and Kashmir and North Eastern region testify the Central Government's double standard attitude, he contended that due to immunity granted by the AFSPA some top Indian Army officials have been misusing their position to amass personal wealth through direct or indirect involvement in illegal drug trade and patronising armed groups/activists.

Babloo also stressed on the need for sustaining ongoing movement for scrapping draconian laws from Manipur.

Professor Chinglen Meisnam, the other resource person, pointed out that the collective goal of AFSPA-free Manipur would only materialise when the people elect individuals who are willing to understand and uphold interest of the masses.

Further stating that conviction and commitment of the political class are equally mandatory for the people to live without any fear or inhibition, he also desired that the masses exercise their franchise right in the true spirit of democratic principle instead of being absorbed with tall claims of the politicians and wooed by their false promises.

Security force excesses, including the infamous 'Operation Bluebird in Oinam village of Senapati district (1987), massacres of Heirangoithong (1984), Tera bazar (1993), RMC (presently RIMS/1995), Malom (2000), oinam Leikai (1980), Ukhrul (1995), Bashikhong (1995), Churachandpur (1999), Nungleiban (1997), Tabokpikhong (1997), Tonsen Lamkhai (1999), etc., were also cited by the speakers to highlight suffering of the people consequent to prolonged imposition of AFSPA in Manipur.