Irom Sharmila: Nov 2, 2000 : Anti-AFSPA Campaign Continues To Sustain
Khunai Kanba Numit observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 05 2012: Taking the date on which Irom Sharmila launched her unparalleled crusade against Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, Khunai Kanba Numit (Save the nation day) was observed today at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound as in the previous years under the aegis of Khunai Kanba Numit Thoushil Lup.

The function held under the theme, 'Stop subjugation, respect human rights' was graced by national awardee Dr Thokchom Chandra Singh as chief guest, president of Kangleipak Loinashillon Apunba Marup IS Asem, NH 53 Kanglei Ching-Tam Leima Lup president Thiyam (I) Silleima and Just Peace Foundation managing trustee Khangenbam Anandi as presidium members.

Senior columnist Haobam Sanajaoba too attended the function as a resource person.

The presidium members during the function

Giving the key-note address of the function, convenor of the Khunai Kanba Lup Okendro Khundongbam said that November 5 is being observed as Khunai Kanba Numit since 2004 .

Using the protective shield of AFSPA, security forces have been killing people at their own sweet will.

And today, there is not a single family in Manipur who have not borne the brunt of the draconian law, Okendro said.

Many youths have been killed, many other maimed while a number of innocent people have been made victims of forced disappearance.

In the past many decades, security forces emboldened by this inhuman Act have raped a number of women.

Noting that security forces could perpetrate all these repressive measures because of the extra-ordinary power given AFSPA, Sharmila launched her crusade demanding repeal of AFSPA from Manipur and today she has completed 12 years of fasting.

Saying that Sharmila's crusade is not for her personal fame nor for her family's benefit, Okendro called upon one and all to support Sharmila's crusade.

Haobam Sanajaoba observed that imposition of AFSPA only brought turmoil in Manipuri society besides causing adverse impacts on its economy.

Though Manipur is said to be part of a democratic country called India, its citizens are yet to enjoy even the most fundamental rights.

Stating that AFSPA was enacted and enforced with an ulterior motive to suppress the people of North East region who are different from mainland Indians in terms of racial origin and physical appearance, Sanajaoba called upon every people of the region to struggle relentlessly against the draconian law.

Thiyam (O) Silleima alleged that the Government of India never bothered to recognise the aspirations and collective wish of the people of Manipur since the day it became a part of the Indian Union.

The Government never address any crisis or issue on its own volition in time.

This was testified by the massive movements of Hunger Marchers' Day, movement of statehood, nude protest in front of Kangla gate, then occupied by Assam Rifles, the sustained movement against AFSPA and the civil movement for enforcement of Inner Line Permit System in Manipur.

Even today, the Government has been acting blind and mute to the popular demands for repeal of AFSPA and enforcement of Inner Line Permit System in the State, Silleima decried.