PREPAK seeks people's support
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 09 2011: Alleging ceaseless atrocities committed by the Indian security forces on the eve of International Human Rights Day 2011 observance, the proscribed People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) has sought the support of the Manipuri people in the outfit's campaign to restore sovereignty.

A PREPAK statement issued by its assistant secretary of Publicity and Propaganda Leibakngakpa Luwang said contrary to the United Nations Organisation advocating protection of human rights through the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948 such a declaration is irrelevant in Manipur as Indian security forces had been indulging in elimination of Manipuris for over six decades.

Recounting that the Universal Declaration had the assent of 48 Nations while eight countries abstained from voting, PREPAK said the Declaration has one Preamble and 30 articles under which protection of social and cultural rights are of utmost priority.

Apart from the 1948 Declaration, the Vienna Declaration of June 25, 1993 clearly states that right to self determination is an undeniable right, the statement pointed out while adding that International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 1966 reiterates the economic, social and cultural rights of the people.

Despite the stated objective of the UNO on right to self determination, "India after forcible merger of the then independent Manipur had been misleading the world by projecting the liberation movement in Manipur as an act of terrorism." Describing use of force by those waging liberation movement as indispensable, Luwang asserted that pain or casualty caused to adversary forces during combat is justifiable.

While terrorism is a crime under international law the national liberation movement has global support and is also approved/recognised by the UN General Assembly, its Security Council and International Court of Justice, the PREPAK statement maintained and added that both the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of 1966 propagate restoration of self-determination as a means of national liberation movement.

Further highlighting that resolution No.183 and No.218 (1963) of the UN Security Council recognise restoration of self-determination apart from the International Court of Justice decrees in 1971 and 1975 justifying any movement in pursuit of restoration of self-determination, the outfit said even the UN General Assembly on December 7, 1987 had directed member States to expedite the self-determination process.

The UN not only upholds the right of a particular nation seeking independence even after annexation but also condemns use of force by the annexing Nation in subduing independent movement, Luwang conveyed and asserted that the UN observes aggression by the dominating Nation as a case of genocide.

Moreover, in case India had not forcibly annexed Manipur there would be no need for blood-shed as witnessed at present, he opined and described prolonged imposition of AFSPA as a testimony that India is intent on using force to defeat the genuine movement for restoration of Manipur's sovereignty.

Luwang further observed that inaction by the Government of India on the recommendation of the Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee with regard to revision of AFSPA only confirms the belief that India is deceiving the entire world as the second largest democratic country.

PREPAK also belittled the Central Government setting up the Jeevan Reddy Commission as not only cosmetic but a deceptive tactic to prolong its domination through military prowess.

Condemning numerous instances of arbitrary arrest, detention and even alleged torture of human rights activists in Manipur, Luwang accused the Government of India trying to dilute the revolutionary movement through divide and rule policy.

Regretting that as a consequence of prolong domination by India people of Manipur had been transformed to a state of dormancy, the PREPAK statement gave a clarion call to the masses, particularly the youth to remain vigilant in order to defeat nefarious design of India.

The PREPAK statement further reminded that only through independence could the people expect to live and compete with the global fraternity.

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