Massive Protest in Manipur Demands Repeal of AFSPA and Justice for Victims
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Imphal, Dec 10 (NationPress) Thousands of men and women, including students, convened a significant rally in Imphal on Tuesday, advocating for the annulment of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA), and demanding accountability for the terrorists responsible for the brutal murders of three women and three children in Jiribam.
The demonstration was collaboratively organized by five prominent organizations, including the All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO), Poirei Leimarol Apunba Meira Paibi, and the All Manipur Women's Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA). It commenced at Thau ground in the Imphal West district and spanned approximately 5 km, concluding at Khuman Lampak stadium, where a public assembly took place.
Participants brandished placards and chanted slogans such as 'Do not obliterate Manipur' and 'Save Manipur', vehemently insisting on the swift repeal of the AFSPA.
Diverse communities, along with inmates from relief camps, actively participated in this significantly attended rally.
In statements to the media, AMUCO President Nando Luwang condemned the government's handling of the unrest in Manipur over the past 19 months. He emphasized that the people of Manipur are asserting their right to self-determination and urging global awareness regarding the violations of their rights.
"Our aim is to illuminate the world about the plight of those in a segment of India whose rights have been compromised. This rally coincides with International Human Rights Day to bring attention to our situation," Nando expressed.
He remarked, "While India shines globally, Manipur is engulfed in darkness," urging an overhaul of governmental strategies and highlighting that ethnic armed groups in the region are also victims of the government's manipulative tactics, which have precipitated the ongoing crisis.
"Currently, Manipur is in turmoil. Development has stagnated, and the populace is enduring hardships. It's imperative to recognize that this crisis is a product of government orchestration," he stated, calling for unity among communities to restore peace.
AMAWOVA leader S. Nirupama proclaimed that, on International Human Rights Day, the people of Manipur reaffirm their staunch opposition to the AFSPA and the killings of innocent women and children by Kuki and Zo militants.
"The Imphal valley and the territories inhabited by the Naga people have endured significant suffering under the AFSPA. This act has become a mechanism for the slaughter of civilians under the guise of combating militancy," she informed the media.
The tragic murders of three women and three children in Jiribam district sparked extensive protests and violence across several districts, including Imphal West and Imphal East, last month, during which mobs set ablaze and attacked the residences and properties of numerous ministers, legislators, and political figures.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has recently reinstated the AFSPA in six police station areas of Manipur, encompassing the violence-stricken Jiribam, adjacent to southern Assam.
