Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 30:
A new women's body christened AFSPA Ngambi Chanu Sharmilagi Ehou, Khongjang Shougat Nupi Lup has been set up with the basic objective to give an added impetus to the struggle for repeal of the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.
Speaking to reporters today at Manipur Press Club, convenor of the new body Y Ibethoi Leima said that the new Lup was constituted by seven different women organisations to add vigour and strength to the six year long campaign of Irom Sharmila against AFSPA 1958.In addition to organising street corner meetings and extensive Wakat Meephams, the Lup would take part with all its strength in all the movements launch by people against the discriminatory Act from time to time.
It will also extend full cooperation to the Working Committee of the Apunba Lup, said Ibethoi.
The new Lup is constituted by United Women's Front, Salai Apunba Nupi Lup, Women Association For Civic Action Kangleipak, Ching Tam Apunba Chaokhat Thourang Nupi Lup, Apunba Kanglei Sinnaibi Lup, NH 53 Kanglei Ching Tam Leima Lup and All Manipur Lady Advocates Association.
Even as the AFSPA 1958 was basically imposed to contain insurgency movement in the State, the Act, has, on the contrary, heightened the problem of insurgency.
Moreover, under the impunity provided by the inhuman Act, various atrocities like massacres, rapes and forced disappearance are being committed by security forces in Manipur, the convenor asserted.
Taking strong exception to the tall promises made by politicians for repeal of AFSPA, she denounced the political parties to use Sharmila as their election plank to gain political mileage.