Military Siege of villages at Chandel, Manipur
25 June 2015
Subject – Request for attention on Military Siege of villages at Chandel, Manipur
Sir/ Madam,
The 1620 signatories (http://bit.ly/1K6OnhZ) in this petition (https://www.causes.com/campaigns/93047-stop-military-siege-of-chandel-manipur-india) wishes to bring your attention of the use of military siege by the Indian army of many villages in the district of Chandel, Manipur which is one of the remotest corner of India.
On the 5th of June, militants representing the indigenous population of this region have launched an attack on Indian army which led to the death of 20 Indian soldiers and 2 from the militant side. As a result of this violent conflict, the Indian army has launched one of the best operative in this area but by completely seizing the area where no journalist, civil bodies and even democratically elected representatives are allowed access.
The latest reports states that the villages are still deserted and people for animal welfare have to step in to look after many pets and animals which have been left starving and dying.
This has led to speculation that the military operation would lead to many tortures, rapes and death which has so often plagued the common people during such incidences e.g. Oinam Incident, Malom Massacre, RIMS Hospital Massacre, Tonsen Lamkhai killings, the killing of Thangjam Manorama, Mizoram Bombing etc.
This mode of military operations are as such non-transparent and violates every existing rules of a 21st century democracy and is only possible because of the presence of a law called AFSPA, which is often seen as racist. The law allows the common people to arrested, shot on mere suspicion and is applicable only to north-east region of India and Kashmir. This law AFSPA is an official sanction for killings in Manipur which is draconian in nature and it has no place in democracy.
The common people have suffered immensely due to the presence of this racist law and the implementation of similar policies by racist law makers. Unfortunately for these villagers, they have no voice nor anyone to support during this distressing times.
Please have a look at the links provided which are similar incidences of torture, rape and murder committed by Indian military forces during such violent conflicts.
Please consider sharing your solidarity and your voice to help these helpless villagers and help democracy prevailed.
Thanking You,
[Signed]
In Solidarity with Chandel Villagers
NOTES:
1) Official sanction for killings in Manipur (http://lib.ohchr.org/)
2) Siege of Oinam Village, July 1987 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onaeme_hill)
3) Malom Massacre, November 2000 (http://www.oocities.org/capitolhill/congress/4568/publications/20001102.html)
4) Mizoram Bombing & Torture Camps (http://indian-defence-forces.blogspot.in/2010/04/1966-iaf-bombing-of-aizwal-mizoram.html;
http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-02-19/news/37179679_1_mna-chhinga-veng-air-force)
* This Press Relese was sent to e-pao.net by 'In Solidarity with Chandel Villagers ' who can be contacted at occupychandel(aT)gmail(doT)com
This Press Release was posted on June 26 2015
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