IMPHAL, Mar 5 : Demanding the repeal of Armed Forces Special Power Act, 1958 from the state, a sit-in-protest demonstration was staged by International Manipuri Mothers’ Association today at Wangkhei Thangjam Leirak, Imphal. Speaking to media-persons, a member of IMMA, Jibanmala said that the draconian law AFSPA must be repealed from the soil of Manipur. The people of the state have been harassed constantly under the shadow of AFSPA, she said.
The Indian government should try to restore peace and normalcy in the state by repealing the AFSPA rather than empowering the armed forces in the name of countering insurgency in the region, Jibanmala noted. Various slogans written on placards such as “Repeal AFSPA from Manipur”, “Prevent Human Rights Violation and Excessive Action of Armed Forces”, “We Want Peace not Torture” etc. were displayed during the protest. (Agencies)