Asem Bhakta, Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: Thousands of men and women, including students, rallied in Imphal city today, demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958, and action against terrorists responsible for killing and attacking civilians, including women and children in Manipur. The rally, jointly organized by the All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO), Poirei Leimarol Apunba Meira Paibi, All Manipur Women’s Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA), Committee on Human Rights (COHR), and the Manipur Students Federation (MSF), began at THAU Ground, Thangmeiband.
It proceeded towards Khuyathong, moved through Nagamapal and BT Road in Imphal, diverted towards North AOC, and culminated at Khuman Lampak, where a public meeting was held. Speaking to the media, AMUCO President Ph. Nando Luwang attributed the ongoing crisis in Manipur to the central government, claiming that it has orchestrated the unrest. He said the people of Manipur are demanding the right to self-determination and seeking to draw global attention to the violation of their rights. “We want to show the world that there are people in a part of India whose rights have been shattered. This rally was organized on International Human Rights Day to highlight this plight,” Nando stated. Blaming Prime Minister Narendra Modi for neglecting the situation in Manipur, Nando criticized the PM for focusing on global recognition while ignoring pressing issues at home. “India shines internationally, but Manipur remains in darkness,” he added. Nando further accused the Indian government of using communal tactics to create divisions among the state’s diverse communities. He appealed for an end to such strategies and noted that ethnic armed groups operating in the region are also victims of the government’s manipulative plans, which have led to the current crisis.
“Manipur is burning today. Development has come to a halt, and people are suffering. We must realize that this crisis is orchestrated by the Indian government, which has become the common enemy of the people,” he said, urging unity among communities to restore peace in the state. Phulindro Konsam, spokesperson for the five organizations behind the rally, expressed despair over the uncertain future faced by the people of Manipur. “While developed countries celebrate International Human Rights Day, we cannot even observe the day because our rights have been completely violated,” he said. Phulindro highlighted the atrocities committed under AFSPA, stating that countless innocent lives have been lost to the draconian law. “Recently, six people, including three women and three children, were brutally murdered using state machinery. The government of India must end the use of AFSPA and its mercenaries, which are perpetuating genocide in the state.
