IMPHAL, Nov 3: Women Development Association and WALYDA of Wabagai Awang Leikai have organised a program called “Discussion on AFSPA” at a Community Hall there today. Similar program was organised by Apunba Nupi Lup Bishnupur at Yangoi Ningthou Yangoi Leima Shanglen, Bishnupur yesterday.
Speaking as one of the Resource Persons, Irom Singhajit Singh, brother of Irom Sharmila said that a trust called Just Peace Foundation was formed with the fund received as awards given to Irom Sharmila in recognition of her 12 years long fast against AFSPA. She has been on fast since the next day when Assam Rifles gunned down 10 innocent people at Malom Lamkhai on November 02, 2000. The trust has been organising Repeal AFSPA Campaigns since then. Instead of urging the Central government to repeal AFSPA the state government seeks more armies stating that the law and order condition in the state is worst.
He further observed that renowned political leaders discussed when Anna Hazari fasted in the last 5 months to remove corruption from India whereas they remained silent in Sharmila’s case. The reasons for neglecting Sharmila’s 12 years long fast are that our state is located near the country’s border, colour and facial difference, and mainland India assumes people in NE region as insurgents. When there was question for AFSPA to be implemented or not in Chhattisgarh the Army Chief forbade it stating that such draconian act cannot be implemented among our own people. Singhajit Singh also urged everyone to support Repeal AFSPA movements.
The program was presided over by Ex-President of WALYDA Mayengbam Lalahari Singh. Manishswar Singh, Retd Lecturer, HOD Economics; and M Ranjit Luwang, Ex-President of WALYDA graced the program as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively.
