Nude protest commemorated on Anti-Repression Day
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 15 2023:
The historic nude protest of July 15, 2004 was commemorated today as Anti-Repression Day at Manipur Press Club.
In the course of the massive and sustained protest movement launched by the people against the brutal rape and murder of Thang-jam Manorama on July 11, 2004 by Assam Rifles troops, 12 Meira Paibi activists staged a nude protest in front of the western gate of Kangla on July 15 same year.
Notably, Kangla Fort then served as the headquarters of 12 Assam Rifles.
The Anti-Repression Day, 2023 held at Manipur Press Club was graced by Anti-Repression Day Observation Committee chairman Khangembam Anandi, All Manipur Tammi Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup president Yambem (O) Momon and United People's Front (UPF) advisor Laishangbam Jadu as presidium members.
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The observation started with offering of floral tributes to three expired Meira Paibi activists who took part in the historic nude protest.
Speaking on the occasion, Anandi highlighted the need for all to revisit the massive protest movement launched by the people of Manipur against Assam Rifles, Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and the brutal rape and murder of Thangjam Manorama in 2004 .
The 12 brave mothers staged a historic nude protest as they could no longer tolerate the series of atrocities committed by Assam Rifles troops against Mani-puri women, Anandi said.
As a result of the historic nude protest, Assam Rifles troops who were occupying Kangla for around 85 years were forced to vacate the sacred and historic fort, she said.
Pointing out that Manipur existed as a sovereign country for centuries in South East Asia, Anandi called upon all Manipuri women to stand up collectively and fight against all repressive measures unleashed by Assam Rifles or any other military force upon the people of Manipur.
As there are more than enough evidence of Kuki militants' involvement in narco-terrorism, the Government of India should abrogate the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups, she said.
She then urged the Government to deploy adequate number of security forces in all vulnerable areas as Kuki militants have been continuously attacking Meitei villages at peripheral areas.
She also urged both the Central Government and the State Government to identify all illegal immigrants including those from Myanmar and deport them back to their countries by way of updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) .