Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 14:
Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR)Southern Sector has extended solidarity to the fast unto death agitation being launched by Irom Chanu Sharmila against prolonged imposition of draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 in Manipur.
NPMHR acknowledged and supported the strong determination of Sharmila against human rights violations in Manipur, its convenor Phamhring Sengul said in a statement.
Sengul said NPMHR would also like to enlighten the people of the North East who are struggling for self determination that the Nagas were the people who have been strongly resisting military occupation.
In the struggle for self determination, the Nagas have fearlessly resisted the mighty Indian military rule and even took the Indian armed forces to court on violation of human rights during 'Operation Bluebird' in 1987 at Oinam Village, Sengul said.
He further said the evil of AFSPA are still fresh in the minds of the Nagas and look towards lasting peace and honourable solution through healing of their spirits.
Flaying the State Government, Sengul said the Ibobi-Ministry is not fair in delivery justice to every section of the people in the State and should apologise to the people of Manipur for all unhealthy development in terms of racial discrimination, bias treatment, denial of justice and above all for creating chaos and distrust amongst the various ethnic communities living in Manipur.
While welcoming the Justice Reddy Committee's report to repeal AFSPA, NPMHR also demanded removal of all other black laws from the North East region and fervently appealed to all the State and non-State armed forces to value human lives with respect and dignity.
Meanwhile, sit-in-protest demonstrations were held at different parts of the State expressing solidarity to the demand for removal of AFSPA from Manipur.
At Khurai Salanthong, Meira Paibis of the area staged a Wakat Meepham.
The women demonstrators also used slogans like save Sharmila's life and repeal AFSPA.
Similarly, the MPP president led the party workers in demonstrating against prolonged imposition of AFSPA in front of the party office located behind Pologround today.
The Social Reformation and Development Club (Langthabal Lep Makha Leikai), The Women's United Development Organisation (Kom Keirap), Loktak Project Youth Club, New Generation, Loktak Project Branch and United People's Front, Manipur have also exerted pressures on the Government for total scrapping of the draconian Act.