Horrors of AFSPA recalled on Anti-Repression Day
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By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 15: Recalling the horrors committed by security forces under the impunity guaranteed by the infamous Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958, and commemorating the historic nude protest of 2004, Anti-Repression Day was observed today at MDU Hall here.
In the wake of the brutal rape and murder of Thangjam Manorama by Assam Rifles troops after she was arrested from her Bamonkampu residence on July 11, 2004, 12 Meira Paibi activists staged a nude protest in front of the Kangla western gate o July 15, 2004.
Notably, Kangla was then occupied by Assam Rifles.
The historic nude protest against the brutal rape and murder of Thangjam Manorama and other acts of atrocity committed by Central armed forces under the impunity guaranteed by AFSPA is being observed every year as Anti-Repression Day.
Of the 12 women who staged the historic nude protest, three have expired. The surviving nine protesters and the families of the three expired protesters were felicitated today during the Anti-Repression Day observation.
Speaking at the gathering, retired District and Session Judge Aribam Noutuneshwari recalled Manipuri people’s sustained struggle and protest against the atrocities and rampant human rights violation committed by armed forces.
For decades, the people of Manipur have been fighting against extrajudicial killings committed by security forces, involuntary disappearances, rapes and murders committed by security forces under the shadow of AFSPA, she said.
Apart from fighting against rampant human rights violations by security forces, Manipuri women have been taking key roles in protecting the integrity of Manipur and the sanctity of its territorial boundary, Noutuneshwari said.
Observation Committee, Anti-Repression Day 2024 chairperson Khangembam Anandi said that Meira Paibis and all Manipuri women have been shouldering huge responsibilities in the ongoing crisis.
The Constitution of Manipur came into effect before the Indian Constitution did, she said.
After annexing Manipur, India imposed AFSPA 1958 in the State. Since then, Central security personnel have raped and outraged the modesty of many Manipuri women, she said.
She also cited several massacres carried out by Central armed forces under the impunity guaranteed by AFSPA and particularly mentioned the massacre of Malom, Heirangoithong, Oinam, Tonsen Lamkhai, RIMS etc.
Observation committee convenor and Macha Leima president Wangkheimayum Amusana said that Manipur had faced a great many challenges throughout its history and womenfolk always took key roles in overcoming these challenges.
The brutal rape and murder of Thangjam Manorama was just one incident in a series of repressive measures unleashed by security forces upon the people of Manipur under the shadow of AFSPA, Amusana said.
Before Manorama, there was the case of Chanu Rose at Ukhrul and many other similar cases, she said.
Manipur is currently facing a huge challenge and the womenfolk again have been taking key roles in facing this challenge, she added.
MU, Department of Law, Head Dr Yumnam Premananda, PANDAM president Yumnamcha Dilipkumar and COCOMI coordinator Somorendro Thokchom spoke on the Anti-Repression Day 2024 as resource persons.
IMPHAL, Jul 15: Recalling the horrors committed by security forces under the impunity guaranteed by the infamous Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958, and commemorating the historic nude protest of 2004, Anti-Repression Day was observed today at MDU Hall here.
In the wake of the brutal rape and murder of Thangjam Manorama by Assam Rifles troops after she was arrested from her Bamonkampu residence on July 11, 2004, 12 Meira Paibi activists staged a nude protest in front of the Kangla western gate o July 15, 2004.
Notably, Kangla was then occupied by Assam Rifles.
The historic nude protest against the brutal rape and murder of Thangjam Manorama and other acts of atrocity committed by Central armed forces under the impunity guaranteed by AFSPA is being observed every year as Anti-Repression Day.
Of the 12 women who staged the historic nude protest, three have expired. The surviving nine protesters and the families of the three expired protesters were felicitated today during the Anti-Repression Day observation.
Speaking at the gathering, retired District and Session Judge Aribam Noutuneshwari recalled Manipuri people’s sustained struggle and protest against the atrocities and rampant human rights violation committed by armed forces.
For decades, the people of Manipur have been fighting against extrajudicial killings committed by security forces, involuntary disappearances, rapes and murders committed by security forces under the shadow of AFSPA, she said.
Apart from fighting against rampant human rights violations by security forces, Manipuri women have been taking key roles in protecting the integrity of Manipur and the sanctity of its territorial boundary, Noutuneshwari said.
Observation Committee, Anti-Repression Day 2024 chairperson Khangembam Anandi said that Meira Paibis and all Manipuri women have been shouldering huge responsibilities in the ongoing crisis.
The Constitution of Manipur came into effect before the Indian Constitution did, she said.
After annexing Manipur, India imposed AFSPA 1958 in the State. Since then, Central security personnel have raped and outraged the modesty of many Manipuri women, she said.
She also cited several massacres carried out by Central armed forces under the impunity guaranteed by AFSPA and particularly mentioned the massacre of Malom, Heirangoithong, Oinam, Tonsen Lamkhai, RIMS etc.
Observation committee convenor and Macha Leima president Wangkheimayum Amusana said that Manipur had faced a great many challenges throughout its history and womenfolk always took key roles in overcoming these challenges.
The brutal rape and murder of Thangjam Manorama was just one incident in a series of repressive measures unleashed by security forces upon the people of Manipur under the shadow of AFSPA, Amusana said.
Before Manorama, there was the case of Chanu Rose at Ukhrul and many other similar cases, she said.
Manipur is currently facing a huge challenge and the womenfolk again have been taking key roles in facing this challenge, she added.
MU, Department of Law, Head Dr Yumnam Premananda, PANDAM president Yumnamcha Dilipkumar and COCOMI coordinator Somorendro Thokchom spoke on the Anti-Repression Day 2024 as resource persons.