Imphal, Jul 16: In remembrance of the nude protest by 12 women at AR Gate on July 15, 2004 in the aftermath of the murder and rape of Th Manorama, the Manipur Students' Association, Delhi organised a 'Convention Against AFSPA 1958' at Indian Social Institute, Lodhi Road, Delhi yesterday.

A statement made available to the press informed that the convention was attended by Lok Sabha MP Dr Th Meinya, senior journalist Kuldip Nayar, Chairperson of National Commission for Women Malini Bhattacharjee, member of Communist Gaddar Party of India Prakash Rao, editor of Jan Pratirodh Arjun Pal Singh, film maker Kavita Joshi, CSDS fellow Dr Bimol Akoijam, Prof Uma Chakrabarty of Delhi University, Nandini Sunder of Delhi School of Economics and Director of Indian Social Institute, Delhi Dr Jimmy as panel members.

Addressing the convention, Dr Meinya disclosed that the report of the Justice Jeevan Reddy Commission has been submitted to the Union Government and it has been putting in all efforts to initiate 'some measures' for the welfare of the party.

He also sought co-operation from the people.

Urging for the complete scrapping of such draconian and inhuman Act, Malini Bhattacharjee noted that the State Government has a major part to play in redressing the prolonged grievances of the people of Manipur.

After thorough deliberations and minute discussion, the convention adopted the following resolutions--that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 utterly threatens life, security and dignity, AFSPA 1958 disproves value of democracy and its working and that the Government should immediately repeal the draconian Act.

Many have condemned the Act saying that it has become an instrument of supression and gross violation of human rights.

Comment