Protest rally in Manipur against AFSPA and civilian killings

schedule
2024-12-11 | 05:58h
update
2024-12-11 | 05:58h
person
mokokchungtimes.com
domain
mokokchungtimes.com

Hundreds of people, including women and students, took to the streets in Imphal on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, to protest against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) and the recent civilian killings allegedly carried out by terrorists. The rally, which coincided with International Human Rights Day, was organized by five local organizations: the All Manipur United Clubs Organisation, Poirei Leimarol Apunba Meira Paibi, All Manipur Women’s Voluntary Association, Committee on Human Rights, and the Manipur Students’ Federation.

The protest began with a five-kilometer march from Thau Ground to Kuman Lampak Stadium. Participants held placards with slogans such as “Repeal AFSPA,” “Do not obliterate Manipur,” and “Save Manipur,” calling for the immediate revocation of the controversial act.

The rally came a day after the State government lifted the ban on mobile internet services across the Imphal Valley and Jiribam region, which had been in place since November 16, following the discovery of six bodies, including women and children, allegedly abducted and killed by armed assailants. The violence sparked widespread unrest in the region.

Advertisement

The protesters condemned the recent killings, which included the deaths of three women and three children in the Jiribam district. The attack led to violent protests and mob actions, including the torching and vandalism of the homes of several MLAs and ministers.

A participant in the rally voiced their outrage, stating, “We also condemn the barbaric act of killing women and children, including a baby a few months old.”

Many protesters expressed their determination to continue fighting until AFSPA is repealed, arguing that the act grants armed forces excessive powers, including the ability to kill in the name of counter-insurgency operations.

Security was heightened in the area to prevent any incidents during the rally. Relief camp inmates were also among the participants, showing solidarity with the cause.

The AFSPA had been reimposed in areas under six police stations of the Imphal Valley in November, following the unrest. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners have urged the Centre to withdraw the controversial law, which has been a point of contention for many in the region for years.

MT

Advertisement

Imprint
Responsible for the content:
mokokchungtimes.com
Privacy & Terms of Use:
mokokchungtimes.com
Mobile website via:
WordPress AMP Plugin
Last AMPHTML update:
11.12.2024 - 06:02:15
Privacy-Data & cookie usage: