Anti-Repression Day

IMPHAL, Jul 15 : Total removal of the 'draconian' Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 from the entire Manipur was raised on the occasion of Anti-Repression Day 2022 held today at Ima Khunthokhanbi Shanglen at Thangmeiband.

The programme was jointly organised by the Observation Committee Anti-Repression Day 2022 and Thangmeiband Apunba Nupi Lup (THANIL).

At the event, chairperson of the observation committee Khagembam Anandi said that partial removal of the Law which provides extensive power to the security personnel and license to kill is not the aspirations of the people and asked all concerned to remove AFSPA 1958 from the whole of Manipur.

During the observance, floral tributes were offered to the photos of late activists who fought against AFSPA.

Anandi continued that countless civilians have been killed and numerous women defiled by the security forces since the imposition of AFSPA in Manipur. Saying that mothers of the State have been launching serious protests against AFSPA including the historic nude protest which played a key role in removing Assam Rifles from Kangla, she maintained that instances of fake counter declined only after the Extrajudicial Execution Victim Families Association, Manipur (EEVFAM) filed a petition at the Supreme Court to deliver justice to the victims of 'extrajudicial killings.' Anandi said that the people of Manipur will continue to pressure the Government to remove the 'draconian law' from the entire Manipur.

UCM vice president YK Dhiren, EEVFAM president Takhellambam Renu, Tangkhul Shanao Long former president Veronica, THANIL president Mangisana, THAU advisor Khumukcham Momon, senior citizen Arambam Lokendra, JCILPS convenor Phulindro, Human Rights Alert executive director Babloo Loitongbam, PANDM president Dilipkumar and Advocate Jadu also attended the programme.