Civil bodies observe Anti-Repression Day
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 15 2025: The 21st anniversary of Anti-Repression Day was observed on Tuesday at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound, here, commemorating the July 15, 2004 incident, when 12 Manipuri women disrobed in front of Kangla western gate to protest the brutal murder of Thangjam Manorama after alleged rape in the early hours of July 11, 2004 .

Twelve middle-aged and elderly Manipuri women namely Thokchom Ramani, Keisham Taruni, Yumlembam Mema, Chungkham Jamini, Lourembam Nganbi, Laishram Gyaneshwori, Moirangthem Sorojini, Angom Jibanmala, Haobam Tombi, (late) Mutum Ibemhal, (late) Soibam Momon, and (late) Loitam Ibetombi, staged protest against the custodial death of Manorama, along with raising slogans, "Indian Army, Rape Us Too!"

Civil bodies observe Anti-Repression Day

Organised by the Observation Committee of Anti-Repression Day, 2025, the solemn event had social activist RK Ranendrajit as chief guest, observance committee chairperson Khangenbam Anandi as functional president, and United Committee Manipur (UCM) president YK Dhiren as the guest of honour.

As resource person of the commemorative programme, United People's Front (UPF) advisor advocate Laishangbam Jadumani also delivered the keynote address setting the tone for various speakers present reflecting oh the human rights situation in Manipur since India's annexation of Manipur on October 15, 1949.In their addresses, CCSK president Jeetendra Ningomba emphasised the role of intellectuals in guiding the masses against state atrocities as EEVFAM president Renu Takhellambam, recalled formation of Extrajudicial Execution Victims' Families Association, Manipur (EEVFAM) on July 11, 2009 to legally challenge fake encounter killings in Manipur and subsequent filing of 1,528 cases in the Supreme Court of India in 2012.In her presidential address, Khangenbam Anandi recounted genocidal killings in Manipur, including the Heirangoithong, Malom, Tera, and Oinam (Senapati) massacres.

Reflecting on murder of Thangjam Manorama, she alleged that the 17 Assam Rifles personnel, who had picked up Manorama from her Bamon Kampu residence, pumped multiple bullets into her private parts after outraging her modesty and dumping her lifeless corpse in an isolated hill range.

Addressing the ongoing Manipur crisis since May 3, 2023, she warned of a mass uprising against India's oppressive rule, while urging unity among all Manipuri communities to stand as "One People" .

Speaking as the resource persons, advocate Jadumani, condemned the prolonged imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA), highlighting its violations of right to life and fundamental rights in Manipur.

He criticised the continued enforcement of AFSPA in Manipur, calling it a law that enables impunity and systemic violations of human rights, undermining the very foundation of democratic rights and the right to life.

Meanwhile, Somorendro Thokchom, president of the League of Indigenous People's Upliftment (LIPUL), spoke on India's systemic ill-treatment of Manipur since 1949.He highlighted the division among Manipuris - some aligning with India due to political and financial incentives, while others seeking liberation from Indian rule.

However, he noted the lack of strong leadership in either faction.

Analysing India's colonial policies, he stressed that unity among Manipuris is the only weapon to counter India's oppressive designs.

Drawing parallels with the Vietnam War (1967), where Vietnamese farmers, women, and children defeated the US military, he reminded the audience that more bombs were dropped on Vietnam than in World War II, yet Vietnam triumphed through sheer unity.

Mention may be made the Kangla protest - wherein the women undressed in front of the erstwhile bastion of the Assam Rifles was a powerful condemnation of military excesses under the AFSPA.

The mutilated body of Manorama was found on July 11, 2004; days after she was picked up by the 17 Assam Rifles.

The commemoration ended with a collective call to honour the spirit of resistance embodied by the July 15 protestors, to demand the repeal of AFSPA, and to strive for a future rooted in peace, justice, and dignity for all communities in Manipur.