AFSPA not needed, says CPI (M) MP
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 04, 2009: As the existing laws are enough to combat insurgency, Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958, must be repealed from the areas where it is currently imposed, said visiting MP of CPI (M), Dr Ramchandra Dom.

The seven-time MP from West Bengal today made the statement when he visited the residences of Chungkham Sanjit and Thokchom (O) Rabina, who were slain in the Khwairamband market incident of July 23.

With posters, detailing the July 23 incident, women folk line up to greet CPI (M) MP Dr Dom and inset the MP interacts

Ramchandra Dom along-with State CPI (M) Secretary Sarat Salam and other State party functionaries visited the residences of Sanjit and Rabina after the MP landed in the State capital this afternoon.

The MP, while speaking at a public gathering organised at Sanjit's residence, said that although extremism, terrorism and insurgency have no place in a democratic society, mindless and indiscriminate killings in the name of combating the menace must not be done at all.

Killing of anybody without trial is tantamount to 'gross violation of Human Rights', and it is not permitted by the Constitution of the country, Dr Dom added.

He further asserted that such atrocities must be stopped immediately by the State Government to ensure 'full fledged' democratic right to the people.

Dr Ramchandra Dom, the first MP, to raise the July 23 issue on the floor Parliament on August 6, during Zero Hour, said that unemployment and poverty are the main reasons for any problem in a society, which lead the youth to the wrong path.

Endorsing the demand of the JAC, he said that Chief Minister O Ibobi must resign taking moral responsibility of the July 23 BT Road incident.

He assured that CPI (M) would stand with the JAC and the victim family in fighting for justice.

The JAC submitted a memorandum to the MP urging to take up an effective recourse from the side of his party to topple the Chief Minister, DGP, SSP Imphal (West) and Additional SP Imphal (West).

The memorandum also urged to initiate action to end killing of innocent civilians in fake encounters and withdrawal of AFSPA from the State.

Womenfolk of Khurai Sajor Leikai later took out a rally from the residence of Sanjit to Khurai Lamlong Keithel.

The rally was joined by the visiting MP and State CPI (M) members.

Later, the CPI (M) team visited the residence of Thokchom (O) Rabina at Lamdeng Khunou and met the victim family and members of the JAC.

Maintaining that CM Ibobi is responsible for the prevailing mayhem in the State, JAC members told the MP that President Rule must be imposed in the State.

As Tehelka photographs are the enough testimonies to prove the July 23 incident as a 'prepared' fake encounter, immediate actions must be taken against the involved police commandos and top police officials.

There is no need for Judicial Inquiry, the JAC members added.

Ramchandra Dom also assured the JAC members and victim family for doing the needful to fulfil their demands.

Dr Dom would leave State capital tomorrow.