Martyrdom of Pebam Chittaranjan remembered
Source: Chronicle News Service

Bishnupur, August 16 2023: Remembering Pebam Chittaranjan, who self-immolated in protest against imposition of the draconian law Armed Forces (Special Powers Act) (AFSPA) 1958, Manipur Students' Federation (MSF) observed his 19th death anniversary at Students' Martyrdom complex in Bishnupur on Wednesday.

The solemn function was marked by offering of floral tributes near the Municipal Council crossing in Bishnupur bazaar, the site where Chittaranjan stumbled as he ran after setting fire on himself on the fateful day of August 15, 2004 .

Later, a number of students taking part in the death anniversary observance assembled at the Student's Martyrdom complex and offered floral tributes at the memorial site.

Speaking at the occasion, MSF president in-charge Hijam Roshan said that Pebam Chittaranjan was the advisor of the student body.

Unhappy over the atrocities committed to the people of the state by security forces under AFSPA, Chittaranjan revolted against the draconian law and set himself on fire on August 15, 2004 and he later succumbed to his injuries on August 16 .

Charging the government of India with playing divide and rule policy in the state and creating hatred among various communities settling in the state, Roshan said that the government of India promulgated AFSPA in 1989 following which many innocent people have been killed and many women physically assaulted and raped.

This was reason why Chittaranjan revolted against the Act and demanded its removal from the state.

The function was also attended by Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Lup president Longjam Memchoubi, Committee on Human Rights Manipur chairman Philindro Konsam and All Manipur United Clubs Organization president Ph Nando Luwang as presidium members.

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