Human Rights Day Sparks a Revolution as Manipur Demands an End to AFSP

Thousands of people protested against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) on Tuesday in the streets of Imphal calling for justice and the repeal of the controversial law as the globe celebrates International Human Rights Day.

The All Manipur United Club’s Organization (AMUCO), Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur (POIREI LEIMAROL), Manipuri Student’s Federation (MSF), Centre for Human Rights (COHR) and All Manipur Women Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA) were the five civil society organizations that teamed up to organize the massive rally.

At 10 am, the large gathering began at Thou Ground in Thangmeiband and stopped at Khuman Lampak which resides near the Porompat police station in Imphal East. To make the International Human Rights Day a “historic one” people from all places including students, youth activists, private workers, Meira Paibis and others joined the rally by stopping their work. They expressed their anger at AFSPA for what they called a “draconian act” that violates their fundamental human rights.

Raising banners and posters, protesters urged a total end of AFSPA from Manipur and other northeastern states stating that the practice supports impunity and continues human rights violations in the area. Slogans such as “Repeal AFSPA, Self-determination is our right, Don’t obliterate Manipur and Stop killing innocent people by Kuki terrorists” echoed through the crowd.

The ministry of home affairs said the decision was made due to the ongoing ethnic violence and unstable situation. Sekmai and Lamsang in the Imphal West district, Lamlai in the Imphal East district, Jiribam in the Jiribam district, Leimakhong in Kangpokpi and Moirang in Bishnupur are the police station areas in which AFSPA has been reinstated. 

Manipur and other Northeastern regions have always been at conflict against the AFSPA which gives security personnel full authority in disturbed zones. In recent years, the public activists and civil society organizations have stepped up their protests against the act demanding its removal.