Manorama remembered on 22nd death anniversary
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By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 11: Even after more than two decades, justice still remains out of reach for family of Thangjam Manorama, who was allegedly raped and killed after her arrest by the Indian paramilitary force Assam Rifles.
The 32-year-old woman was killed after she was arrested by personnel of the 17 Assam Rifles from her house at Bamon Kampu on the intervening night of July 10 and 11, 2004.
On the 22nd death anniversary observed at Bamon Kampu Ward No 10 community hall today, family members, locals and members of civil bodies including the Working Committee of Apunba Lup paid floral tributes to Manorama and many other victims of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958.
Speaking on the occasion, Working Committee of Apunba Lup coordinator Phulindro Konsam said the personnel of the Assam Rifles who allegedly raped, tortured and killed Thangjam Manorama have not been punished even after 22 years.
Phulindro said the imposition of the "draconian" Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, a remnant of British colonial rule, has given immunity to personnel of Central security forces including the Assam Rifles who have allegedly committed rape, torture and extrajudicial killings.
Even after decades of protest, AFSPA continues to be imposed in Manipur, and is protecting security forces from being prosecuted, Phulindro said.
Notably, the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) gives security forces broad powers to shoot to kill, arrest without a warrant, and search properties in areas declared "disturbed".
The Act prevents security forces from facing criminal prosecution without approval from the Central Government.
While as many as 1,528 cases of alleged extrajudicial killing are pending before the Supreme Court, the Government of India has consistently denied prosecution sanction for armed forces personnel in the cases.
In the case of Manorama, a judicial inquiry was conducted by the Justice Upendra Committee and its report was submitted to the Government. However, no personnel of the AR involved in the case have been prosecuted, Phulindro said.
He called on people to continue to resist AFSPA until it is repealed from all of Manipur.
Working Committee of Apunba Lup coordinators, Joy Konthoujam and Rupachandra Nongthombam and Joy Chingakham and president of Thangjam Manorama Charitable trust president Thiyam Nilbir attended the observance.
IMPHAL, Jul 11: Even after more than two decades, justice still remains out of reach for family of Thangjam Manorama, who was allegedly raped and killed after her arrest by the Indian paramilitary force Assam Rifles.
The 32-year-old woman was killed after she was arrested by personnel of the 17 Assam Rifles from her house at Bamon Kampu on the intervening night of July 10 and 11, 2004.
On the 22nd death anniversary observed at Bamon Kampu Ward No 10 community hall today, family members, locals and members of civil bodies including the Working Committee of Apunba Lup paid floral tributes to Manorama and many other victims of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958.
Speaking on the occasion, Working Committee of Apunba Lup coordinator Phulindro Konsam said the personnel of the Assam Rifles who allegedly raped, tortured and killed Thangjam Manorama have not been punished even after 22 years.
Phulindro said the imposition of the "draconian" Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, a remnant of British colonial rule, has given immunity to personnel of Central security forces including the Assam Rifles who have allegedly committed rape, torture and extrajudicial killings.
Even after decades of protest, AFSPA continues to be imposed in Manipur, and is protecting security forces from being prosecuted, Phulindro said.
Notably, the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) gives security forces broad powers to shoot to kill, arrest without a warrant, and search properties in areas declared "disturbed".
The Act prevents security forces from facing criminal prosecution without approval from the Central Government.
While as many as 1,528 cases of alleged extrajudicial killing are pending before the Supreme Court, the Government of India has consistently denied prosecution sanction for armed forces personnel in the cases.
In the case of Manorama, a judicial inquiry was conducted by the Justice Upendra Committee and its report was submitted to the Government. However, no personnel of the AR involved in the case have been prosecuted, Phulindro said.
He called on people to continue to resist AFSPA until it is repealed from all of Manipur.
Working Committee of Apunba Lup coordinators, Joy Konthoujam and Rupachandra Nongthombam and Joy Chingakham and president of Thangjam Manorama Charitable trust president Thiyam Nilbir attended the observance.