Tributes paid to Pebam Chittaranjan
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 16 2026: As in previous years, the Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) observed the 22nd Students' Martyrdom Day today in remembrance of Pebam Chittaranjan, who self-immolated in protest against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958 on August 16, 2004 .

As part of the observance, a rally was taken out from Imphal College to Sega Road Takhellambam Leikai, the birthplace of Chittaranjan, with participants raising slogans such as "Withdraw AFSPA 1958", "Long Live Manipur" and "Long Live MSF" among others.

Following the rally, floral tributes were paid to Chittaranjan's photograph during a function held at the Takhellambam Leikai Youth Club complex, after which a two-minute silence was observed in his honour.

Later, patriotic songs were presented by artistes of the Apunba Manipur Matam Ishei Kanglup (AMMIK) .

A number of students took part in the observance.

Addressing the function, All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) president Sorokhaibam San-joy said, "we must stand united" to confront external forces and safeguard Manipur.

Claiming that the Government of India (GoI) has been waging a proxy war in Manipur, he appealed to the people to resist the consistent attempts being made to suppress them.

The people of Manipur have been enduring subjugation for decades, he said and added that AFSPA must be withdrawn completely from the State.

MSF president Hijam Roshan said that safeguarding Manipur is "our responsibility", as no outsider would come forward to protect the State.

He also claimed that the GoI has not stopped scheming to create enmity among different communities in the State.

Senior Advocate Khaidem Mani, former Acting Chairperson of the Manipur Human Rights Commission, said Chittaranjan breathed his last on August 16, 2004, a day after he self-immolated in protest against the AFSPA .

He said observing the day instils a sense of patriotism among the younger generation.

Mani said that the people of Manipur have been protesting against the AFSPA for decades, as a number of people have been killed under the "black law" .

Saying that the AFSPA has been withdrawn from areas under 19 police stations in the State, he said that MSF and people of Manipur need to continue their efforts to ensure the law is completely withdrawn from the State.

Soraisam Memcha, president of Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Lup (PLAMPAM), said that people like Chittaranjan, who devoted their lives to the motherland, are rare.

Committee on Human Rights (CoHR) Chairman Konsam Phulindro, on the other hand, said that the supreme sacrifice made by Chittaranjan was for the protection of the people of Manipur.

AFSPA is a colonial law, he said and alleged that many people have been killed due to the impunity granted to security forces under the law.

He appealed to the people to work together for the complete repeal of the AFSPA from Manipur.

The programme was also attended by All Manipur Women Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA) president Wangkhem Ibemma and Takhellambam Leikai Youth Club president Boibi Pebam also attended the programme among others.

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