DIMAPUR, AUGUST 13: The Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur (CRAM), an indigenous people’s human rights organization promoting sustainable development and human rights of indigenous peoples of Manipur urged upon the Government of India to repeal AFSPA, 1958 in accordance with the recommendations of various UN bodies and also to politically resolve the protracted armed conflict, afflicting Manipur for several decades.
The CRAM also expressed concern and condemnation with the Government of India for its failure to respond to the democratic and non violent movement of Irom Sharmila to repeal the most controversial and draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958.
“This exposed the undemocratic and autocratic nature and rule of the Government, which is founded by the principles of non violence and Satyagraha, as espoused and practiced by Mahatma Gandhi, the founder of Indian Nation.
CRAM lauded the struggle and sacrifices of Irom Sharmila, for her non-violent and democratic struggles as part of the larger community struggles in Manipur to expose the undemocratic nature of AFSPA and its application in Manipur and across India’s North East.
Sanaton Laishram, President CRAM in a statement said, “The unique and enduring struggle of Sharmila has further contributed in strengthening the call against AFSPA and in garnering support to reject the colonial law. Sharmila’s contribution will continue to inspire all people of Manipur and beyond to stand against AFSPA and similar draconian laws. AFSPA indeed has become a symbol of oppression and repression of the indigenous peoples of Manipur, for its derogation of the most fundamental rights, Right to Life, Right to Justice remedy etc which cannot be derogated under any circumstance. Several people are extrajudicial killed, tortured, arbitrarily detailed, women are rapped etc. Militarization becomes widespread with its multiples impact in Manipur since imposition of AFSPA. Impunity, denial of justice for those perpetrating violations is also widespread and indeed condemned by international human rights organizations and UN human rights special procedures.”
The CRAM pointed out that “The UN human rights mechanisms, including the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against women and extra Judicial executions etc have and UN Treaty bodies, such as UN CEDAW have all urged upon the Government of India to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958.
It also urged upon the Government of India to repeal AFSPA, 1958 in accordance with the recommendations of various UN bodies and also to politically resolve the protracted armed conflict, afflicting Manipur for several decades.
