IMPHAL, Nov 28: Thousands of demonstrators in Imphal East district on Thursday, staged a rally to demand the removal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from Manipur and the arrest of those responsible for the recent killings of three women and three children in Jiribam district.
The rally, which began at Nongada in Lamlai constituency, saw protesters marching toward Yorbung, covering a distance of 4.5 km while raising slogans. The demonstration was organized by Meira Paibis and local clubs in Lamlai constituency. One of the protesters, Y Leima, emphasized the group’s stance, stating, “We have reiterated time and again that AFSPA is a tool of oppression. The people of Imphal valley and Naga areas have suffered the most under AFSPA, but the government has never acknowledged their suffering.”
The Centre had recently reimposed AFSPA in several police station areas of Manipur, including the violence-hit Jiribam district, after the ongoing ethnic violence created a volatile situation. A notification from the Union Home Ministry announced that the act would apply to six police station areas: Sekmai and Lamsang in Imphal West district, Lamlai in Imphal East district, Jiribam in Jiribam district, Leimakhong in Kangpokpi, and Moirang in Bishnupur. AFSPA allows security forces to declare areas as “disturbed” for easier military operations.
