Imphal, August 16 2009: Even as the State Government celebrated the 62nd Independence Day yesterday, amidst tight and elaborate security arrangement, people remembered Pebam Chittaranjan fondly and paid tearful tributes to the 'Human Torch' today.

It was on August 15, on Independence Day in 2004, when the country was celebrating the day, Pebam Chittaranjan immolated himself to give a message to the whole world that the people of Manipur, despite being citizens of India, were not given the basic fundamental rights and that the inhuman Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 should be abolished.

Then an advisor to Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF), Bishnupur district committee, Pebam Chittaranjan immolated himself at Bishnupur Keithel against rampant human rights violation under AFSPA in Manipur.

He succumbed on August 16 .

With a solemn function, the fifth death anniversary of Pebam Chittaranjan was observed today at Bishnupur community hall.

People paid rich tributes to the human rights champion.

The function was graced by MSF president Md Atabuddin, president of the Meira Paibi Apunba Lup, Bishnupur M Thamballeima, Sarat of the United Clubs' Organisation and Chittaranjan's family member Rajen as presidium members.

Giving the key-note address of the function, Koireng observed that simply remembering Chittaranjan and offering tributes would not satisfy the soul of the martyred human rights champion.

The most befitting tribute to the martyr would be a collective pledge to fight against human rights violation and other forms of atrocities in order to establish a peaceful society, Koireng observed.

MSF advisor Ph Nando Luwang lamented that five years after MSF advisor Ph Nando Luwang lamented that five years after Chittaranjan made the supreme sacrifice against human rights violation and rampant killings, such extra-judicial killings, detention and harassments by security forces have been continuing unabated.

Observing that the State Government is yet to open its ears to appeals and aspirations of the people, Nando emphasised the need to carry on with civil movements.

He called upon all the people of Manipur to fight jointly regardless of community or group affiliation until AFSPA is repealed from all over Manipur.

Md Atabuddin said that the MSF is planning to develop memorial complex in honour of Pebam Chittaranjan.

For this, Pebam Chittaranjan Memorial Trust would be constituted soon.

"Hopefully, people may be able to pay tributes to Chittaranjan at his memorial complex next year", the MSF president said.

Commenting on prevailing situation of Manipur, he observed that the right to life has become something of an unaffordable luxury.

He further pointed out the absurdity of demanding right to education when there is no right to life.

Observing that proper education is possible only where there is peace of mind and a secure atmosphere, Atabuddin called upon all to fight collectively for the right to life.

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