MSF observes Students' Martyrdom Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 16, 2012: Along with rally, meeting and offering of floral tributes Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) today observed the 8th Students' Martyrdom day to honour the sacrifice of Pebam Chittaranjan, who self-immolated to protest continuous imposition of the controversial Armed Forces' special Powers Act.

Chittaranjan, who was the advisor of the Federation's Bishnupur district unit, self-immolated in August 15, 2004 and succumbed to his injuries the next day.

The observance commenced this morning with people offering floral tributes at the portrait of Chittaranjan in Bishnupur Bazar, where he committed the act.

Floral tributes were also paid to Chittaranjan at his Takhellambam Leikai residence before students, teachers and the general public took out a rally from the premises of Takhellambam Leikai Youth Club upto THAU Ground, Thangmeiband where a public meeting was held.

Delivering the key-note address, MSF general secretary RN Koireng highlighted that Pebam Chittaranjan sacrificed his life during the intense public movements in the aftermath of the Assam Rifles personnel allegedly raping and slaying Thangjam Manorama Devi.

To commemorate the supreme sacrifice of Chittaranjan to demand scrapping of AFSPA 1958, MSF had been observing the day at Students' Martyrdom, he said while contending that Indian intelligence agencies and Government of Manipur have been trying to demean Chittaranjan's act.

MSF observes Students' Martyrdom Day

With the Govt of India retaining the draconian Act framed by the British rulers there is no respite for people of Manipur as the Act is being arbitrarily applied to subdue rights of the people, Koireng said.

Speaking on the occasion, renowned social worker Thounaojam Iboyaima said that supreme sacrifice made by Chittaranjan continues to inspire the people to agitate against AFSPA 1948 while president of Senior Citizens' Society N Binoy accused the Govt of Manipur of being indifferent to the people's aspiration for an AFSPA-free society.

Binoy maintained that the people should not relent from their demand of scrapping the draconian Act from Manipur.

Stating that the Chief Minister of Manipur and the three MPs of the State are not sincere and committed in removing the Act and hailing over 11 years of agitation by Irom Chanu Sharmila against AFSPA, the senior citizen also pointed out that Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir had pledged to scrap AFSPA from the State during his Independence Day speech yesterday.

Among others, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur president L Memchoubi Devi, Kuki Women's Union president Rose Mangshi Haokip and AMUCO president KT Rahman also reiterated demand for removing AFSPA from Manipur.

The commemorative event was also attended by MSF president Longjam Umakanta Meitei, Kabui Mothers' Association Kakomlunglu Kamei and United Clubs' Organisation, Bishnupur district president Ranjit Laishram.