14th death anniversary of Manorama observed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 11 2018:
The l4th death anniversary of Thangjam Manorama was held at Yumjao Lairembi community hall, Keishampattoday.
Floral tributes were paid to the photo of the deceased, a silence was observed in honour of the departed soul and a discussion were held as a part of the programme which was organised by Thangjam Manorama Memorial Charitable Trust and Apunba Lup.
Speaking to media persons, Apunba Lup coordinator Phulindro Konsam said that the demand for justice and the truth behind the killing of Manorama has not been revealed even after 14 years of her death.
Till date, the demand by Peoples Action Committee Against Brutal Murder of Thangjam Manorama and Apunba Lup for punishing the personnel of 17 Assam Rifles involved in the crime as well as removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958, have not been fulfilled by the authorities concerned.
It is high time for the people to unite and demand justice, he added.
Remembering the incident, Phulindro narrated that on the intervening night of July 10 and 11, 2004, well armed personnel of 17 Assam Rifles in full military uniform arrested Thangjam Manorama from her residence at Bamonkampu Mayai Leikai.
She was not simply arrested as she was dragged from her house in view of her family members and also tortured.
Then on the early morning of July 11, her bullet riddled body was found near Ngariyan Mapao village.
Phulindro added that the most disgusting and inhumane nature of the security forces came to the fore after they had raped her (Manorama) and tried to get rid of the evidence by riddling her private parts with bullets as well.
Even before the incident involving Manorama, numerous women have been raped, molested and killed by the security forces, Phulindro said and added that the paramilitary forces and Army have even engaged in torture, massacres and numerous extra judicial killings.
In case of Manorama's cold blooded killing, the people of the State rose in protest and PAC and Apunba Lup organised numerous protests against AFSPA.
As a part of the protest, some brave mothers of Manipur even organised a naked protest in front of Kangia demanding the Assam Rifles to rape them as they had raped Manorama.
MSF volunteer P Chittaranjan also immolated himself as a protest and one' K Memita also lost her life during the protest that followed, he informed.
As a fruit of the protest by the people, Jeevan Reddy Review Commission was established which sent a recommendation to the Central Government to repeal AFSPA.
Consequently Assam Rifles were shifted from Kangia and AFSPA were removed from the areas under Imphal Municipal Corporation.
However, it is imperative for the people and the associations to continue the protest for complete removal of AFSPA from the State, Phulindro said and appealed to the people to unite at the sidelines of the observance.
Apunba Lup coordinator Phulindro Kbnsam, Yumnam Ratan, Joy Chingakham, assistant coordinator Joychandra Konthoujam, Thangjam Manorama Memorial Charitable Trust secretary Th Nilbir, Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup president Phanjoubam Sakhi, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur president Longjam Memchoubi, Kangleipak Lamjing Apunba Meira Lup president Y Leirik Leima and Kangleipak Women Welfare Association president AK Memcha Leima attended the event as the presidium members.
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