India not only violates human rights but also threatens Manipur's boundary: Lancha
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 05 2015: After Manipur was merged with India, the country has not only violated human rights of the State's people but also continues to threaten the territorial boundary of Manipur, alleged CIRCA spokesperson Ningthouja Lancha on Thursday.

Lancha also called on the people to ponder on why India continues to discriminate against the people of the State.

The CIRCA spokesperson stated this while attending a function in connection with Irom Chanu Sharmila's campaign against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 or AFSPA organised by Kangleipak Loinasillon Apunba Marup (KLAM), Imphal on Thursday at Phayeng Panganba Community Hall, Imphal West.

The occasion was also observed as the "12th Khunnai Kanba Numit" .

Ningthouja Lancha

Speaking at the function as resource person, Ningthouja Lancha alleged that though people elected their representatives in a democratic country like India, the Government has failed to protect the human rights of citizens.

He said the Government of India continues to turn a blind eye when security forces allegedly killed number of civilians apart from numerous cases of rape and torture of women under the protection of an Act like the AFSPA.

He recalled the killing of innocent civilians at Malom; RIMS; Manorama, Rabina and Sanjit and pointed out that the security forces failed to apologize for committing such inhuman acts.

The CIRCA spokesperson also accused the State Government of failing to investigate into the Tombisana High School case in which a number of human skulls and skeletons were found.

KLAM advisor Sanahongba Mangang stated that Irom Chanu Sharmila is a poet and writer and her two poetry books "Emadi Khongdai Setlaroi" (2004) and "Taibang Mipallangi Wangmada" (2009) were both published by KLAM.

KLAM had honoured Sharmila with "Queen of Non-Violence and Peace" award in 2006 .

Sanajaoba pointed out that Manipur had seen many mass movements in recent history.

However, the Government of India as well as the State Government had always suppressed the movements instead of bringing an amicable solution, he said.

The KLAM advisor also alleged that there had been attempts to drive the indigenous people of Manipur to extinction like the way how Cacharis from Cachar and Tripuris from Tripura had experienced.

He called on all to focus on a united struggle instead of engaging in short term agitations.

Phayeng village Chief N Toyai, who attended the function as Chief Guest said that Government of India has been continuously trying to destroy Manipur, which was an erstwhile independent kingdom.

Calling all to be united and defend the State together, Toyai also said that Sharmila's campaign is meant for all the people who are suppressed, oppressed and exploited.

The function was also attended by KLAM President IC Asem as President and Just Peace Foundation member Okram Romen as Guest of Honour.

Manipur University retired Assistant Registrar Dr Oinam Kullabidhu spoke on "Sharmila's life and her campaign" .

Ningthouja Lancha spoke on "Human Rights Violation and Manipur Merger Agreement" while KLAM Advisor K Sanahongba Mangang spoke on "Meicharang Pairiba Kanglei Khunnai" .