New Delhi, November 14: A joint protest will be held on November 19 against the Armed Forces Powers Act (AFSPA) outside Peary Lal Bhavan (ITO), New Delhi between 2 and 4 pm organised by Manipur Students Association, Delhi (MSAD), Manab Adhikar Sangram Samiti (MASS), Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) and People's Union for Democratic Rights (PUDR).

The organisers said that people have protested against "this infamous and draconian Act.

People have protested time and again.

Irom Sharmila's heroic resistance in the form of hunger fast since 2000 is very well known.

But why hasn't successive Governments paid heed to these protests ? Simply, because no Government has genuinely addressed the question of people's aspirations.

"Moreover, all Governments believe in the rule of the strong State.

Therefore, by leaving the need of opposing AFSPA to only those who are affected by it, we will aid the present Government in believing that there's nothing wrong in using this draconian law".

It also said that "there is only one-way out : A united protest by all against AFSPA � for its unconditional repeal".

They then gave a clarion call and said, "Observe 19th November as Nation wide protest against continuation of AFSPA, Oppose military rule in Pakistan, Myanmar and Bangladesh Support people's struggles against military regimes".

The organisers of the proposed November 19 event asked, " why is it that nearly 40 million people in North East and Kashmir live under Army rule? Why is it that in some parts, this Army rule has continued unabated for nearly 60 years? How can a country which boasts itself as the largest democracy justify Army rule and continue to suppress its citizens?".

The organisers then explained, "Friends, Armed Forces (Special) Powers Act is a law which gives the state just such a license: a license to kill with impunity, to shoot at sight anyone on mere suspicion, to occupy or destroy any building, to enter any home and to arrest anyone without a warrant.

A license that is available to even a non commissioned army officer of the lowest rank.

And to take such action the officer needs no permission from a superior and is not answerable to anyone.

And it is not easy to prosecute the security forces for offences as the Act provides immunity to them.

Herever such absolute power exists, those empowered turn criminal.

So, rapes, torture, custodial deaths, enforced disappearances or fake encounters happen and happen repeatedly, precisely because guilty officials know that the law protects them".

When political solutions are sought, if unaccompanied with sincerity on the part of the government, the possibility of lasting peace recedes.

The decade long ceasefire between the Indian government and the Naga people has not meant either withdrawal of AFSPA or reduction in deployment of forces.

As a result, the armed forces, have entrenched themselves even more firmly within Naga society".

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