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Manipur : Mass support for repeal of AFSPA |
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The demand for publication of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act review committee report was raised again on Nov. 30 at a rally of non-governmental organisations in Imphal. The rallyists reiterated the call to repeal the controversial act from the state.
“The government should publish the recommendations of the committee that reviewed the Army Act. The Centre should also bring a final settlement on the issue of its repeal,” stated a resolution adopted at the end of the rally.
Last week’s rally was organised by Imphal-based NGO Women’s Action for Development (WAD) as a part of its programmes to mark the international fortnight protesting violence against women and children. Thousands of activists from women’s organisations all over the state took part in the rally.
Last year, Delhi constituted a five-member committee, headed by Justice B. P. Jeevan Reddy, to review the provisions of the Army Act following violent agitation in Manipur triggered by the controversial death of Thangjam Manorama in Assam Rifles’ custody. The committee submitted its recommendations to the Centre at the end of its six-month term.
“Women in Manipur are under threat from security forces as well as non-state armed outfits. They are victims of grave crimes, including molestation and murder,” M. Sobita Devi, secretary of WAD, said.
While the women’s groups urged the Centre to publicise the Reddy committee’s recommendations, they also appealed to militant groups operating in Manipur to frame “a code of conduct” for their cadres to protect innocent civilians.
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