GuwahatiDec. 10: The leading civil society groups of Manipur on Tuesday organised a mass protest against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), and called for justice and repeal of the draconian law at THAU Ground in Imphal.
The protest that coincided with International Human Rights Day was jointly organized by prominent civil society organizations (CSOs) including the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO), Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur (POIREI LEIMAROL), Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF), Centre for Human Rights (COHR), and All Manipur Women Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA).
The mass protest which was attended by hundreds of people was also participated by students and individuals from different communities. They voiced their anger against AFSPA for what they termed a “draconian act” that violates fundamental human rights.
Protesters carried placards and banners demanding the complete withdrawal of AFSPA from Manipur and other northeastern states, accusing the act of fostering impunity and perpetuating human rights abuses in the region.
The gathering reverberated with slogans such as “Repeal AFSPA,” “Self-determination is our right,” “Don’t obliterate Manipur,” and “Stop killing innocent people by Kuki terrorists.”
In the month of November, the Centre reimposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, under which an area is declared as “disturbed” for the convenience of security forces to operate, in Manipur’s six police station areas, including the violence-hit Jiribam.
In a notification, the ministry of home affairs said that the decision was taken given the continuous volatile situation there due to the ongoing ethnic violence.
The police station areas where AFSPA has been reimposed are Sekmai and Lamsang in Imphal West district, Lamlai in Imphal East district, Jiribam in Jiribam district, Leimakhong in Kangpokpi and Moirang in Bishnupur.
The AFSPA, which grants sweeping powers to security forces in “disturbed areas,” has long been a source of contention in Manipur and other parts of the Northeast. Protests against the act have intensified in recent years, with civil society groups, activists, and the public calling for its repeal.
