Calls for justice echo through on Manorama anniversary
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 11 2025: The call for justice and total repeal of the infamous Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) was renewed today on the 21st death anniversary of Thangjam Manorama.

The 21st death anniversary of Thangjam Manorama was observed today at Bamon Kampu Hirom Leirak community hall under the aegis of the Thangjam Manorama Memorial Charitable Trust and the Apunba Lup.

Apunba Lup coordinators Phulindro Konsam, Joy Chingtham, Rupachandra Nongthombam and Joychandra Konthoujam and Manorama Memorial Charitable Trust president Thiyam Nilbir attended the memorial function as presidium members.

The gathering which included leaders of several Meira Paibi organisations paid floral tributes to the portrait of Thangjam Manorama.

Speaking at the death anniversary function, Phulindro Konsam said that Thangjam Manorama was dragged away by troops of 17 Assam Rifles.

Before dragging away, Manorama was slapped, kicked and flogged like an animal in front of her family members.

After dragging her away from her home, the troops of 17 Assam Rifles gangraped Manorama repeatedly before putting her to death in the most brutal and bestial manner on July 11, 2004 .

The brutal murder of Thangjam Manorama shook the collective conscience and deeply hurt the people's sentiment, Phulindro Konsam said.

He said that it was a crime against humanity.

Manorama was murdered in the most brutal manner because of the unbridled power given to security forces.

Under this colonial and draconian law, a large number of people have been killed by security forces in Manipur.

The case of Manorama represented the most ruthless and despicable atrocity committed by security forces.

Shaken and deeply hurt by the bestial murder, more than 40 civil society organisations came together and formed the Working Committee of the Apunba Lup.

The Apunba Lup spearheaded a strong and sustained protest movement demanding abolition of the AFSPA and befitting punishment to the troops of 17 Assam Rifles involved in the gangrape and murder of Thangjam Manorama.

However, the demands have not been fulfilled till date and justice is being deliberately denied, Phulindro said.

He said that it is imperative to fully implement the report submitted by the Justice C Upendra Commission.

He also highlighted the growing need to exert more pressure on the Government of India so as to get AFSPA repealed from all over Manipur.

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