Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 11:
In protest against imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 in North Eastern region on this day 50 years back, the Working Committee of the Apunba Lup observed Ant-AFSPA Day all over the State today.
Apart from the main event which was held along with a discussion session at Manipur Press Club here, sit-in-protest demonstrations were staged at different parts of the State marked the protest.
The discussion session held under the theme of �Impact of AFSPA on the people over the last 50 years: A Retrospective look� was attended by noted personalities from different walks of life like senior citizens, journalist, lawyers, leaders of civil organisations, communities and academicians.
Social activist Dr Arambam Lokendra and former Dean of Law Faculty, Gauhati University Dr N Sanajaoba were co-moderators of the discussion session.
Giving the key note address, co-ordinator of Working Committee of the Apunba Lup Langdon observed that for the last 50 years people of the North Eastern region have been subjected to all sort of atrocities in the hands of the security personnel since the imposition of the draconian Act in the name of counter insurgency.
It is high time to understand the mindset behind enactment of such discriminatory Acts and where the public movement against prolonged imposition of AFSPA stands today.
Editor of Ereibak daily Irengbam Arun, editor of Kangla Pao P Ibochou, editor of Aza Valley Rose, president of Manipur Bar Association Khaidem Mani, social activist RK Ranendrajit, IPSA president in-charge Sapamcha Dilipkumar, secretary general of AMUCO NC Khuman and Prof N Joykumar of Manipur University were among those who came up with various observations on the issue during the discussion session.
Places where the protest demonstrations were staged include Pallel, Kakching, Khongjom, Wangjing, Thoubal, Canchipur, Singjamei Super Market, Yairipok, Andro, Wangkhem, Irilbung, Kongba, Lamlong, Lamlai, Yaingangpokpi, Sugnu, Wabagai, Umathel, Sekmaijin, Mayang Imphal, Wangoi, Samurou, Langthabal, Heirangoithong, Pishumthong, Elangbam Leikai, Keishamthong, Awang Sekmai, Sagolmang, Pangei, Sangakpham, Lamphel Sanakeithel, Thangmeiband, Khuyathong, Uripok, Lamshang, Tera, Moirang Leirak, etc.
Similar protest demonstration decrying imposition of AFSPA were also reportedly staged at Churachandpur Old Bazar, Mandop Leikai, Kumbi, Ningthoukhong, Bishnupur, Oinam, Nambol, Kwakeithel and Keishampat.