Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 04:
Coming out strongly against use of innocent civilians as human shields allegedly by the army and Assam Rifles during shooting encounter with the underground activists, the people of Ningthoukhong have resolved to oppose jointly the security forces if they continue to subject the people to various sort of atrocities in future.
In continuation of the Wakat Meephams being organised by the people in the wake of the December 27, 2005 shooting encounter at Ningthoukhong Mamang Pat during which personnel of 7 Assam Rifles have allegedly used some of the villagers as human shields, a similar protest session was held at Ningthoukhong Municipality ground today.
After a serious discussion on the issue, the congregation adopted three different resolutions.
The resolutions include to strongly condemn the use of innocent villagers as human shields by the security forces during encounter with the UGs and communicate the same to the authorities concerned to restrain from doing so in future, to jointly oppose the security forces in carrying out further atrocities on the people and repealing of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from Manipur.
Representative of Kha-Lamlong Meira Paibi, Ningthoukhong Konthoujam Ongbi Pishak, member of Gopinath Leikai Meira Paibi, Ningthoukhong RK Ongbi Ashalata and K Memcha of Kha Ningthoukhong Meira Paibi attended the protest session as presidium members.
MAFYF president Sapamcha Kangleipal, Human Rights Alert programme executive W Joykumar, AMSU Bishnupur Branch advisor Gunibala Wahengbam and Ningthoukhong ward no.8 councillor RK Sarat were among those spoke at the occasion decrying the excesses of the security forces.