Thousands protest AFSPA, Jiri atrocities
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 28 2024: Thousands of women, led by Meira Paibis and social activists under the banner of AMUCO (All Manipur United Clubs' Organization) and other allied organizations held a massive protest rally today demanding justice for the recent terror killings in Jiribam and the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the jurisdictions six police stations.

They also sought decisive action to locate the individual reported missing from the Leimakhong Army stations a few days ago.

The rally, spanning approximately 5 kilometres, began 11 am from Nongada, Lamlai in Imphal East and concluding at Yorbung Ground.

Protesters fervently chanted slogans such as "Repeal AFSPA," "Do not obliterate Manipur," "Punish brutal murders," "Long Live Manipur," and "Stop India's Divide and Rule Policy" .

Nagirangbam Bidyarani, one of the protesters, shared the anguish driving the rally.

She said, "We are organizing this rally because Manipur has always been a peaceful State but some terrorists have destroyed that peace.

In the recent Jiribam incident, terrorists abducted six Meitei civilians, including a six-month-old baby and an eight-year-old child.

They were tortured, later killed, and their bodies were thrown in rivers.

When we recovered their bodies, we found several torture marks.

Their condition was heartbreaking, and we couldn't hold back our tears" .

Bidyarani also condemned the recent reimposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1958 in the jurisdictions of six police stations.

"We cannot accept this decision of the Indian Government.

AFSPA has caused immense suffering to our people, and it must be revoked.

This is why we organized this rally to raise our voices against the Central and State Governments," she added.

Led by AMUCO and four other organizations, the demonstration saw a heavy deployment of security personnel to maintain order.

The protest highlighted ongoing concerns about violence, human rights, and governance in Manipur, emphasizing the people's frustration with the policies of the State Government and the Centre.

The protest rally which started from Nongada passed through Lamlai and Pungdongbam before winding up at Yorbung where a public meeting was held and several resolutions were adopted.

Poirei Leimarol Apunba Meira Paibi president Bimolata said that reimposition of AFSPA at a time when the people have been facing relentless attacks from Kuki terrorists for the past 19 months is unacceptable and highly condemnable.

Observing that reimposition of AFSPA smacks of an evil design to persecute civilians, she appealed to all the people to be prepared to fight the Government of India's new move.

She also asked the Government of India to immediately put an end to its divide and rule policy.

The rally was jointly organised by the Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi, North East United Clubs' Organisation (NEUCO), MSF Lamlai branch and AMAWOVA Telou unit under the banner of AMUCO .

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