Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 14:
Recent killings of eleven youths in fake encounters by the security forces after arresting them from their houses or localities since February 26 till March 10 this year is an act of cowardice and highly condemnable, said human rights activist and advocate Khaidem Mani.
Talking to news-persons today Mani said such acts committed by security forces have lowered the reputation of the disciplinary armed forces deployed in Manipur to aid civil administration maintain law and order.
Quoting definition of terrorism as 'systematic use of terror as a means of coercion' and 'an advocate or practitioner of terror as a means of coercion, one who panics or cause anxiety' the rights activist said there is no question why the illegal conduct of security forces, including Assam Rifles should not be labeled as terrorist organizations.
Justifying the remark, he said ever since 'Disturbed Area' tag was clubbed with Manipur in the 1980s security personnel have been unleashing a reign of terror under the immunity of Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 and demanded declaring the armed forces as outlawed organization with the application of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967.He further asserted that armed forces authorities and Government of India spell out their counter points for covering the misconduct and human rights violation by the security forces.
Mani also strongly condemned the security forces for violating strictures issued by Supreme Court while conducting counter-insurgency operations under AFSPA that emphasizes limited detention period, desist from third degree method to extract information from arrested persons etc.