Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 22:
Keeping on hold their differences both faction of the Apunba Lup today strongly decried continued security force atrocities upon civilian population.
Referring to the recent instances of security force personnel committing excesses upon civilian population the Working Committee of the Apunba Lup called on the people to stay united and foil sinister design of the Central and State Governments.
The Lup pointed out that attempt to rape a young housewife on January 17 at Phubala by personnel of 11 Grehwal Rifles, CRPF firing at Wangoo Nungoi Sabal on January 18 killing three persons, including two civilians and framing two arrested brother of Sagolmang area on concocted charge by the AR are manifestations of security force unleashing reign of terror taking advantage of AFSPA.
Urging to people not to fall prey to the evil designs of the Government by accepting ex-gratia assurances or institution of judicial/magisterial inquiries, the Lup said ex-gratia cannot be denied under any circumstances when civilians are caught in cross fire or slain by any party involved in conflict.
Moreover, value of human life cannot be replaced by any amount of compensation money and it should be noted that Govt of India have sound financial strength to cover up for several number of ex-gratia payment, pointed out the Lup.
Many forms of inquiries have been ordered but till date no positive development had taken shape nor are any guilty security personnel charged and punished, elaborated the Lup's statement.
It also stressed that only way to escape from the cruelty of the security force is to stand united and fight for restoration of human rights through sustained democratic movement.
Rather than oppose the security force atrocities when there is still time blind acceptance of Govt assurances of inquiry and ex- gratia payment will only act as elixir to the law enforcing agencies to carry out the Govt agenda, added the statement issued by the Lup's publicity sub-committee.
It also strongly condemned State police for allegedly detaining Lup activists from handing out press release to the media on January 20 evening.
Meanwhile, another Lup statement jointly issued by three publicity committee members, expressing grave concern at the rampant abuse of human rights said such atrocities has only authenticated the firm stand of the Lup that nothing short of complete repealing of AFSPA from Manipur will be acceptable to the people.
Referring to the rape attempt, CRPF firing and the latest issue of arrest of the two brothers on concocted charges, the statement said the Lup will not budge a step from its resolute stand of total scrapping of the repressive Act.