Destiny's child : Manorama remembered
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 11 2010: Thangjam Manorama was fondly remembered on her 6th death anniversary today in a simple but impressive function at her birth-place of Bamon Kampu, Imphal East. The memorial function was jointly organised by the Thangjam Manorama Memorial Charitable Trust and the Apunba Lup.

Speaking at the function, social worker Thounaojam Iboyaima stressed on the need for different organisations to shed their differences and struggle unitedly when it comes to major issues confronting the State.

Noting that each and every organisation have their own objectives and principles, Iboyaima, nevertheless, asserted that all the organisations need to stand united and struggle together in times of major issues.

Tributes paid to the memory of Th Manorama

Thangjam Manorama was arrested by troops of 17 Assam Rifles from her home in the night of July 11, 2004 before the troops allegedl;y raped and killed her.

The lifeless body of Manorama was found at Ngarian foothills the next morning.

Today's death anniversary function was held under the slogan "Don't violate human rights".

The gathering paid floral tributes to the photograph of Manorama.

A musical album based on Manorama's death was also released at the function.

Social worker Thounaojam Iboyaima, president of the Thangjam Manorama Memorial Charitable Trust Sengoi Luwang, Apunba Co-ordinators Phulindro Konsam, Sunil Karam and Ayekpam Langdon and president of the Bamon Kampu Women's Welfare Association Hirom Landhoni graced the memorial function as presidium members.

Iboyaima stated that the people of Manipur should fight for their rights and live with responsibility.

Sunil Karam observed that one act of State excesses was overshadowed by a similar act which came in quick succession without ever getting justice.

A large number of youngsters between 15 years and 35 years have been eliminated by the State, he decried.

Notwithstanding the long struggle of the people of Manipur, Irom Chanu Sharmila and Meira Paibis against the draconian AFSPA, there has been no respite in human rights violation by State actors under the protective shield of the inhuman Act, Phulindro Konsam said.

People have a nagging fear that Manorama may not be the last victim of security forces.

There is no guarantee that another Manorama might not fall prey to security forces, he forewarned.

Notably, a case filed in connection with the killing of Manorama is still pending at Gauhati High Court.