GUWAHATI: Thousands of people, largely women and students, took out a massive rally in the Manipur capital Imphal on Tuesday against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) and civilian killings by “terrorists”.
The rally, coinciding with the International Human Rights Day, was taken out from the Thau Ground and it culminated at the Khuman Lampak Stadium, 5 km away. Security was tightened to thwart any untoward incident.
The protest broke out a day after the state government had lifted the ban on mobile internet services. Internet services were suspended on November 16 in the wake of fresh violence.
Five organisations such as All Manipur United Clubs Organisation, Poirei Leimarol Apunba Meira Paibi, All Manipur Women’s Voluntary Association, Committee on Human Rights and Manipur Students’ Federation organised the rally.
People from various communities and also relief camp inmates took part in the rally. The protestors held placards with messages such as “Repeal AFSPA”, “Do not obliterate Manipur”, “Save Manipur” etc.
The protestors told the media they would not relent till the repeal of AFSPA which gives sweeping powers to the armed forces to arrest, shoot, kill and occupy or destroy property that is likely to be used by insurgents.
“We stand opposed to AFSPA. We also denounce the killings of six innocent women and children by the Kuki militants,” a protestor said.
The killings of the six civilians from Jiribam district had triggered widespread protests in the Imphal valley last month, during which irate mobs torched and attacked the houses and properties of several legislators, including ministers.
AFSPA was reimposed in six police station jurisdictions of the Imphal Valley last month much to the chagrin of the valley residents. Later, the MLAs of ruling NDA parties met and resolved to urge the central government to consider repealing it.