Administrative Map of Imphal West District

Cities and Places

(population in [1000])

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The Armed Forces (Assam & Manipur) Special Powers Act, 1958

An Act to enable certain special powers to be conferred upon members of the armed forces in disturbed areas in the State of Assam and the Union Territory of Manipur.

Be it enacted by Parliament in the Ninth Year of the Republic of India as follows:

1. Short Title and Extent

a.    This Act may be called the Armed Forces (Assam and Manipur) Special Powers Act, 1958.

b.    It extends to the whole of the State of Assam and the Union Territory of Manipur.

2. Definitions
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires:

a.    "armed forces" means the Military forces and the air forces operating as land forces, and includes any other armed forces of the Union so operating;

b.    "disturbed area" means an area which is for the time being declared by notification under section 3, to be a disturbed area;

c.    all other words and expressions used herein, but not defined in the Air Force Act, 1950, or the Army Act, 1950 shall have meanings respectively assigned to them in this Act.


3. Power to Declare Areas to be Disturbed Areas

If the Governor of Assam or the Chief Commissioner of Manipur is of the opinion that the whole or any part of the State of Assam or the Union territory of Manipur, as the case may be, is in such a disturbed or dangerous condition that the use of armed forces in aid of the civil power is necessary, he may by notification in the official Gazette declare the whole or any part of the State or Union territory to be a disturbed area.


4. Special Power of the Armed Forces

Any commissioned officer, warrant officer, non commissioned officer or any other person of equivalent rank in the armed forces may, in a disturbed area-

a.    if he is of opinion that it is necessary so to do for the maintenance of Public order, after giving such due warning as he may consider necessary, fire upon or otherwise use force, even to the causing of death, against any person who is acting in contravention of any law or order for the time being in force in the disturbed area prohibiting the assembly of five or more persons or the carrying on of weapons or of things capable of being used as weapons or of fire-arms, ammunition or explosive substances;

b.    if he is of opinion that it is necessary so to do destroy any arms dump, prepared or fortified position or shelter from which armed attacks are made or are likely to be made or are attempted to be made, or any structure used as a training camp for armed volunteers or utilised as a hide out by armed gangs or absconders wanted for any offence;

c.    arrest, without warrant, any person who has committed a cognizable offence or against whom a reasonable suspicion exists that he has committed or is about to commit a cognizable offence and may use such force as may be necessary to effect the arrest;

d.    enter and search without warrant any premises to make any such arrest as aforesaid or to recover any person believed to be wrongfully restrained or confined or any property reasonably suspected to be stolen property or any arms, ammunition or explosive substances believed to be unlawfully kept in such premises and may for that Purpose use such force as may be necessary.


5. Arrested Persons to be made over to the Police

Any person arrested and taken into custody under this Act shall be made over to the officer-in-charge of the nearest police station with the least possible delay, together with a report of this circumstances occasioning the arrest.


6. Protection to Persons acting under Act

No persecution, suit or other legal proceeding shall be instituted, except with the previous sanction of the Central Government, against any person in respect of anything done or purported to be done in exercise of the powers conferred by this Act.


7. Repeal and Saving

a.    The Armed Forces (Assam & Manipur) Special Power Ordinance, 1958, is hereby repealed.

b.    Notwithstanding such repeal, anything done or any action taken under the said ordinance shall be deemed to have been done or taken under this Act, as if this Act had commenced on the 22nd day of May, 1958.

Manipur Update

December Issue

Volume I Issue I, December 1999

DOCUMENT 2

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958

(As Amended in 1972)

An Act to enable certain special powers to be conferred upon members of the armed forces in disturbed areas in States of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura and the Union Territories of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. Be it enacted by Parliament in the Ninth Year of the Republic of India as follows:

1. This Act may be called the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.

2. It extends to the whole of the State of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura and the Union Territories of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.

a) "Armed Forces" means the military and the Air Forces of the Union so operating:

b) "Disturbed area" means the area which is for the time being declared by notification under Section 3 to be disturbed area;

c) all other words and expressions used herein, but not defined in the Air Force Act, 1950, or in the Army Act, 1950, shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in those Acts.

3. If in relation to any State or Union Territory to which this Act extends, the Governor of the State or the Administrator of the Union Territory, or the Central Government in either case, is of the opinion that the whole or any part is in such a disturbed or dangerous condition that the use of Armed Forces in aid of civil power is necessary, the Governor of that State or the Administrator of that Union Territory or the Central Government, as the case may be, may, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare the whole or such part of such State or Union Territory to be a disturbed area.

4. Any commissioned officer, warrant officer, non-commissioned officer or any other person of equivalent rank in the Armed Forces may, in a disturbed area

a) if he is of the opinion that it is necessary to do so for maintenance of pubic order, after giving such due warning as he may consider necessary, fire upon or otherwise use force, even to the causing of death, against any person who is acting in contravention of any law or order for the time being in the disturbed area prohibiting the assembly of five or more persons or the carrying of weapons or of things capable of being used as weapons or firearms, ammunition or explosive substances;

b) if he is of the opinion that it is necessary to do so, destroy any armed dump, prepared or fortified position or shelter from which armed attacks are made or are likely to be made, or any structure used as a training camp for armed volunteers or utilized as a hideout by armed gangs or absconders wanted for any offence;

c) arrest without warrant, any person who has committed a cognisable offence or against whom a reasonable suspicion exist that he has committed or is about to commit a cognisable offence and may use such force as may be necessary to effect the arrest;

d) enter and search without warrant any premises to make any such arrest as aforesaid or to recover any person believed to be wrongfully restrained or confined or any property or any arms, ammunition or explosive substances believed to be unlawfully kept in such premises; and may for that purpose use force as may be necessary.

5. Any person arrested and taken into custody under this Act shall be made over to the officer in charge of the nearest police station with the least possible delay, together with a report of the circumstances occasioning the arrest.

6. No prosecution, suit or other legal proceeding shall be instituted, except with the previous sanction of the Central Government against any person in respect of anything done or purported to be done in exercise of powers conferred by this Act.

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Arrested woman found brutally killed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 11: A 32-year old woman who was reportedly arrested from her own Bamon Kampu Mayai Leikai house last night by 17th Assam Rifles after issuing arrest memo to the family members was found abandon dead near Ngariyan Mapao Maring village this morning with tell-tale signs of brutal torture writ all over her body.

The woman has been identified as Thangjam Manorama alias Henthoi d/o (late) Th Bihari.

Police have collected the body and kept it at the mortuary of RIMS, where post-mortem was conducted even as the family members refused to take back the body.

Talking to media persons, family members of Manorama informed that the Assam Rifles personnel came to the house at midnight and entered after breaking down the door.

There were also some Manipuri speaking persons among the security personnel.

As soon as they broke into the house, the security personnel asked for Manorama, who by that time had already retired for the night in her room.

They dragged her out from the bed and beat up the family members when they tried to intervene.

After locking the door from outside with all the family members inside, the security personnel took Manorama at a corner of the veranda and thrashed her brutally for almost half an hour after blind folding and tying her hands and feet.

Before taking Manora-ma along with them, the security personnel gave an arrest memo to the family members and forced them to sign on some papers to claim that no other things have been taken away.

Havildar (General Duty) of the Assam Rifles Sureshkumar (Army number 123355) and Rifleman T Lotha (Army number 123916) also put their signature on the paper as authority and witness respectively.

The security personnel also told the family members not to be worried and Mano-rama would be handed over to the Irilbung police the next morning.

Manorama also removed the finger - ring and the neck-chain she was wearing and handed over the same to her family members before she was taken away.

However, she had gone wearing her gold-ear ring, the family member told media persons.Soon after, Manorama had been taken away by the Assam Rifles personnel, the family members infor-med the local people and after discussing the matter decided to report it to Irilbung Police Station early in the morning.

However, on hearing the news of a body being lying at Keirao-Wangkhem Road near Ngariyan Mapao Maring Village , the family me- mbers went and found out that it was of Manorama.

The body was found wearing with no proper cloth.

There were not only scratching marks of fingers all over the body, but also a deep gashing wound probably made by a knife on the right thigh.

There were also at least seven fatal bullet wounds on her back with one of them shot from upper buttock having pierced throu- gh her private part on the other side.

Although the post-mortem of the body has been conducted at RIMS Hospital after it was picked up by the Irilbung police, the family members have refused to take back the body contenting is was a case of extra judicial and custodial death and punishment should be given to the guilty personnel.

Infuriated local denizens also blocked Imphal-Yairipok Road in protest against the killing.

Later in the afternoon, representatives of local meira paibis and other organisations led by Kshetrigao A/C MLA Vivek Raj Wangkhem met Chief Minister and submitted a memorandum demanding action against the guilty personnel and removal of Armed Forces Special Power Acts among others.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister gave his assurance of conducting a judicial enquiry into the incident.

But the infuriated local people were not happy with the verbal assurance of the Chief Minister and their demands id far from that.

They also resolved to take up other means in pursuance of the demands and not to take back the back until all the demands are fulfilled.

A emergency public meeting has also been convened tomorrow at 10 am to discuss further course of action to be taken up.

All Manipur Women's Social Reformation and Development Samaj while strongly condemning the brutal killing of Thangjam Manorama by Central security forces last night has termed the act as barbaric and inhuman.

Condemning the barbaric killing of Thangjam Manorama by personnel of 17 Assam Rifles after severely torturing her at Ngariyan last night, Manipuri Chanura Leishem Marup, Momnu Eerikkhombi Lup Ethno Heritage Council has appealed to the authorities concerned to look into the matter and book the culprits immediately so that such actions are never repeated again in future.

Meanwhile, Assam Rifles has claimed responsi- bility for the killing of a hardcore PLA woman cadre on the night of July 10.

In a statement, AR spokesman identified the deceased cadre as one Self Styled Corporal Thangjam Manorama alias Henthoi.

Based on specific information about the presence of PLA cadres at Bamon Kampu area, an AR team rushed to the area and apprehended Manorama.

During interrogation she disclosed that she possessed an AK 47 rifle and was willing to take the army personnel to recover the arm.

However on the way, she was gunned downed by the AR personnel as she made a bid to escape by jumping down from the army vehicle, added the AR spokesman.

One radio set, hand grenade and some incriminating documents were recovered from her possession, the spokesman claimed

MAFYF call general strike
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 11: In consonance with its earlier declaration of launching agitation for extra-judicial killing carried out by the security force personnel operating in the State, Manipur Forward Youth Front has imposed 48 hours general strike with effect from July 12 mid-night till the same hour of July 14.

The general strike is to protest killing of the Saichang village pastor Jamkholet Khongsai whose body was found buried on July 9 and the slaying of a 32 year old woman Th Manorama Devi after arrest by Assam Rifles personnel.

Asserting that its agitation is in accordance with the need of the hour to denounce atrocities committed by security personnel in a democratic manner MAFYF urged upon all concerned to extend cooperation and bear inconveniences due to the agitation.

It also cautioned the general people to stay alert as the security force under the garb of controlling insurgency movement has begun to target even innocent civilians only to be later branded as activists of underground outfits.

Effigies of PM, CM, AR DIG burnt
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 13: The first day of the 48 hrs general strike called by 26 voluntary organizations to protest the killing of Th Manorama by Assam Rifles personnel began today from 12 am today paralyzing commercial activities, especially in the capital city.

As part of the agitation, effigies of the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, DIG Assam Rifles and others concerned were consigned to the flames.

Effigies of the Prime Minister, Chief Minister and the DIG of Assam Rifles were consigned to the flames today at about 5.40 pm near the Customs Office at New Checkon in Imphal East.

At near Kwakeithel crossing, bandh supporters also burnt the effigies of the Prime Minister and Chief Minister.

All commercial activities came to a grinding halt as the clock struck 12 am today and shops downed shutters at Khwairamband bazar and women folk kept away from the Nupi Keithel.

Inter-district passenger buses and inter-State buses also suspended service for the day.

However flight services were not cancelled.

The general strike also evoked healthy response from some other districts with all the major commercial centres remaining closed for the day.

Reports of bandh supporters deflating the tyres and breaking the headlights of vehicles at Uripok Kangchup road have come in.

Tyres were piled up near the Puja Lampak on the Wangkhei-Kongba road and set on fire by bandh supporters to dissuade motorists.

The road connecting Imphal to Yairipok which passes through Bamon Kampu was strewn with huge logs of wood and uprooted trees to stop vehicular movements.

At Irilbung Thongju, iron rods were fixed on either side of the road to prevent anyone from venturing out.

Meira paibis gathered at the gate of the late Manorama and displayed festoons and placards denouncing the killing and demanding the revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

The women folk also demanded punishment of the personnel involved in the killing of Manorama.A sit-in-protest was held at Irilbung Thongkhong to denounce the killing of the woman.

Members of the Kongba Kshetri Leikai Panthoibi Nupi Lup also staged a sit-in-protest.

Sit-in-protests were also held at Khurai Tinsid Road Thongkhong and the effigy of the CM was burnt.

Women give vent to naked fury in front of 17 AR at Kangla
Source: The Sangai Express - Breaking News - 18:30 IST

Imphal, July 15: Scripting a sort of a history not only in the State but perhaps in the entire country, a number of women folk, bared all in front of the Western Gate of Kangla this morning, where the 9 Sector Assam Rifles and 17 AR are housed, to lodge their protest against the killing of Thangjam Manorama.

The novel protest, the first of its kind in Manipur, came after the 48 hours general strike called by various voluntary organisations expired today at 12 am.

Manipur, especially Imphal, has been in a state of turmoil and uncertainty ever since 32 years old Thangjam Manorama alias Henthoi of Bamon Kampu was picked up from her house in the wee hours of July 11 and later shot dead by 17 Assam Rifles personnel under contradictory claims.

Following the naked outburst of anger and bottled up rage, the district administration of the two districts of Imphal acted swiftly and imposed an indefinite curfew in Greater Imphal areas from 11 am today.

The women folk started gathering in front of the Western Gate of Kangla from 10 am onwards and taking everyone by surprise stripped off their clothings and raised slogans to lodge their protest.

Banners denouncing the excesses of the security personnel were also put up by the women folk.

Seeing the gravity of the situation, the AR personnel on sentry duty lost no time in closing the gate.

This however did not discourage the women folk from registering their protest.

Significantly the office of the Commander of 9 Sector Assam Rifles, Brig VK Pillai, is situated just a few metres away from the gate of the Kangla, where the women folks staged their protest.

The women raised slogans, demanding that the personnel involved in killing Manorama be produced before them.

They also challenged the security personnel to come out and outrage their modesty, if they wished.

Policemen who rushed to the site found themselves in an awkward position not knowing how to deal with the women who had bared all.

The women folks raised a number of slogans, questioning, how long they have to suffer, while their sons and daughters are being trampled, tortured, raped and killed by the security personnel.

After about 1 hour, police women were pressed into service and they managed to bring the situation under control.

A number of women fainted at the site of the protest and they were taken to the hospital for necessary treatment.

The body of Manoroma is still lying at RIMS morgue and with the protest rally scheduled for tomorrow, the district administration of Imphal East and West took no chances and clamped an indefinite curfew from 11 am onwards today.

District Magistrate of Imphal East KK Chhetry and DM of Imphal Y Surchandra issued separate notifications announcing the imposition of the indefinite curfew.

Enforcing the curfew under Section 144 CrPC, the District Magistrate of Imphal East notified that the general public should remain indoors during the enforcement of the restrictions.

The curfew notification said that the restrictions have been imposed in view of the perceptible threat posed by the proposed rally scheduled to be held tomorrow.

Persons who want to take out procession for marriage, funeral etc may do so after getting the due permission of the DM concerned, notified the Imphal West District Magistrate.

The restrictions however will not apply to Government agencies involved in law enforcing activities, said the notification.

As news of the curfew spread, people could be seen hurrying home to beat the deadline.

Policemen were pressed into service to enforce the restriction and at many points, they could be seen instructing the people to turn back home.

For the third consecutive day, Imphal city wore a deserted look with all the commercial centres downing shutters from 11 am onwards.

However till as late 2 pm, the police did not go over board and allowed those caught outside to return to their home safely.

The sudden announcement of the curfew saw a human chain at the Imphal West DC office at Babupara to get curfew passes.

By about 6 pm almost all the major roads and lanes of Imphal were deserted with the exception of the lone cyclist or pedestrian.

Even as the curfew was imposed, members of the Naoria Pakhanglakpa Apunba Meira Paibi Lup gathered at the market shed at Haobam Marak and staged a sit-in-protest in defiance of the curfew.

Members present at the gathering appealed to all women folk to prepare for the third Nupi Lan to protect their chastity and life from the security personnel.

The members also resolved to support any movement launched to protest the killing of Manorama.

The women folk also expressed that it would be in the fitness of things to present the Governor women's clothings as the State machinery has not been able to protect the modesty and chastity of women.

Meanwhile the CPM has expressed its strong opposition to the imposition of curfew.

General secretary of the party told the press that it would be wrong to muffle the voice of the people by imposing restrictions.

The State Government has already instituted a Judicial Inquiry to probe the circumstances leading to the death of Th Manorama but this has failed to pacify the people, with 36 voluntary organisations slamming the move as a shame.

Opposition MLA and MPP president O Joy had also gone on record and stated that the Judicial probe will prove futile without the consent of the Centre.

Assam Rifles authority had also instituted a Court of Inquiry into the matter

Manipur women defy curfew, 100 injured

Statesman News Service
IMPHAL, July 16. — Several women activists today defied the curfew and clashed with state police at a number of places in and around Imphal West and East demanding booking of the Assam Rifles personnel responsible for “raping” and killing 32-year-old Th Manorama, withdrawal of 17th Assam Rifles and removal of the Armed forces Special Powers Act.
Nearly a 100 protestors were injured, some of them seriously, in the clash that began in the morning and continued all through the day. At least 48 of them, mostly women have been rushed to two government hospitals in the capital.
Major confrontations took place in Kongpal, Khurai and Sangakpham in Imphal East, and Singjamei, Kakwa, Kwakeithel, Sagolband, Tera and Naoremthong in Imphal West.
Police fired several hundred rounds of rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse angry crowds and had to even resort to lathi-charge. They managed to keep the rally beyond the sensitive zone, which houses the Raj Bhavan, CM Secretariat, Assembly Secretariat and several other important buildings. The government has already beefed up security around the complexes.
Fire brigade, bullet-proof vehicles and paramilitary jawans have been station all around the Raj Bhavan.
The government also enlarged the area of indefinite curfew from municipality area of the Capital to Greater Imphal area, extending it to Thoubal and Bishenpur districts fearing trouble later in the night,
The protestors were responding to the call of over 30 organisations, which had announced plans to hold a rally and submit memorandum to the Governor, chief minister and Assam Rifles authorities.
Similar rallies have been reported in Thoubal and Bishunupur districts where protestors submitted copies of memorandum to the DCs.
The rally follows a series of protest over the killing. Earlier, a two-day general strike crippled the capital and then several women activists shed their cloth and stormed the Kangla Forth which houses the command centre of the 17 Assam Rifles.

Local cable news banned

IMPHAL, July 16. — The Manipur government has banned local cable network news as it may lead to violence in the current situation arising out of the killing of Th Manorama Devi, official sources said today. They said the network showed naked women protesting the killing in front of Assam Rifles range office here yesterday. — PTI

Imphal, July 16: Scores of protesters who came out on the streets, defying curfew, to denounce the excesses of security personnel and in particular against the recent killing of Th Manorama by Assam Rifles personnel, have been hospitalized, when police resorted to firing tear gas canisters and rubber bullets to foil protest rallies at different parts of the State today.

Defying the curfew imposed in Greater Imphal area, many people responded to the protest rally call made by 30 different organizations.

Although the routes of the proposed rally was kept secret and the organizers have not sought any permission for holding the demonstration, preparations were seen made in every localities with local meira paibis mobilizing the people for the protest rally since early morning today.

In view of this, the State Government had already taken up stringent security measures to foil the rally and security forces including Manipur Police, Commandos, IRB and Manipur Rifles were deployed in large number at various strategic points in Greater Imphal area where curfew has been in force since yesterday.

At around 11 am, a large number of people coming from Wangkhei, Ayangpalli Road and Kongba areas gathered at Kongba Bazar with the intention of taking out the protest rally towards the road leading to Bamon Kampu.

Security personnel persuaded them to go back to their respective houses as curfew was still in force, but the infuriated people refused to turn back.

The n followed some heated exchange of words between the protesters and the security personnel.

To prevent the situation from getting out of control, the security personnel resorted to firing tear gas canisters and rubber bullets to disperse the gathering at Kongba Bazar.

Besides, tear gases and rubber bullets, the security personnel also resorted to blank firing to prevent the rallyists coming from Wangkhei side.

The action of the security personnel infuriated the angry protesters all the more and they started pelting stones and shooting catapults towards them.

As the situation became tense with the security personnel at the receiving ends and their stock of tear gas shells and rubber bullets running out, more reinforcement and ammunition were immediately called in.

When the reinforcement team and extra ammunition arrived, police commandos managed to drive away the protesters with heavy firing of tear gas shells and rubber bullets from within bullet proof vehicles.

The situation was finally put under control at around 2.30 pm.

More than 1000 tear gas canisters and rubber bullets were reportedly fired from the side of security personnel to control the mob.

At least ten persons sustained injuries in the Kongba incident and they were treated at JN Hospital, Porompat.

They are Choudhurymayum Sanahanbi (38) of Bamon Kampu Huirem Leikai, Laiphrakpam Noyonsana (50) of Kongba Kshetri Leikai, Keisham Menjor (20) of Kongba Kshetri Leikai, Pangabam Premananda(36) of Kongba Kshetri Leikai, Ngangbam Lemba (20) of Bamon Kampu, Kunjamayum Tony (18) of Bamon Kampu, Nongthombam Priyokumar (22) of Bamon Kampu, Longjam Suresh (19) of Ayangpalli, Meihoubam Ongbi Angoubi (45) of Bamon Kampu and Wahengbam Robindro (31) of Bamon Kampu.

All ten of them were hit by rubber bullets.

However, as the condition of Angoubi was serious, she has been referred to RIMS Hospital.

Even as the stand off between the security personnel and the protesters was at its peak, a 407 Mini Tata coming along Wangkhei Ayangpalli Road bringing security personnel including women Home Guards were allegedly pushed down by angry people into the roadside drain.

But the police refuted that it was pushed down by the people, but met with an accident.

At least five women who sustained injuries when police fired tear gas canisters and rubber bullets to disperse a large group of Meira Paibis coming from Khabam Lamkhai side to take part in the proposed rally in defiance of curfew at Chingmeirong at around 12.30 pm today, have been admitted at RIMS Hospital.

The five women who were hospitalised are identified as Thingom Leipaklei (45) of Laipham Khunou, Naorem Bino (26) of Laipham Khunou, Lousigam Pakpi (45) of Achanbigei, Waikhom Bormani (52) of Khabam Heibong Makhong and Sinam Mema (35) of Achanbigei Makha Leikai.

Leipaklei was hit by a rubber bullet on lower part of her buttock and is said to have been lodged inside the flesh.

N Bino sustained injuries caused by a rubber pellet near her rectum.

L Papki was lucky enough with only a rubber bullet injury on her right hand.

But it was not so for S Mema who sustained two large and grievous bullet wounds on her back.

While in case of W Bormani it was the tear gas that had gone into the eye making her vision blurry and teary all the time.

At Khurai Lamlong Bazar infuriated women were engaged in a verbal duel with State security personnel resulting in the cops resorting to mild baton charge, bursting of tear-gas and firing of rubber bullets and live bullets in the air to disperse the mob.

Slogans demanding scrapping of draconian laws, denouncing extra-judicial killing of innocent persons were also shouted by the women agitators.

In solidarity with the ongoing agitation against security force personnel atrocities arid killing of Manorama effigies of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and 9 Sector Assam Rifles Commander VK Pillai were burnt at Mayang Imphal bazar today.

Shops also downed shutters for the day to protest the extra-judicial killing.

Around 500 Meira Paibis coming out Sagolband Khamnam Leirak side towards Tera Bazar to take part in the rally were also prevented by the police personnel who were already waiting at Tera Bazar.

At Naoremthong also, police foiled the attempt of the Meira Paibis to take out a rally by firing tear gas canisters and rubber bullets.

One Usham Sushila sustained rubber bullet injuries on her rear part and she was admitted to RIMS Hospital.

Meira Paibis were proceeding towards Khwairamband Bazar when they were confronted with the police personnel.

At Keishampat near Krishnadas Oil Pump, police dispersed a group of womenfolk who came out for demonstration by bursting tear gases.

Undeterred by police action, around 30 women also tried to block the Tiddim Road by lying prostrated at around 2 pm today.

They were, however, chased away by the police with batons and firing of tear gas canisters.

Near Thouda Bhabok, Sega Road too, police prevented a group of women coming from Kwakeithel side to hold demonstration.

Meanwhile, MLA of Keishamthong A/C L Ibomcha visited the persons who sustained rubber bullets injuries at the hospitals.

Protest rally was also taken out at Thoubal district today in condemnation of the killing of Th Manorama by Assam Rifles personnel in their custody.

Many people took part in the demonstration and they later submitted a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner of the District.

Though curfew has not been clamped in the district, police swung into action and resorted to lathi-charge and firing tear gases causing injuries to many rallyists.

People in large number have reportedly come in four/five buses from Wabagai side to take part in the rally at about 1 pm.

They joined other protestors who were already gathered at Thoubal Mela Ground and proceeded towards DC Office to submit the memorandum.

The district administration had given permission for the rally till DC office, but as the protestors started going towards Thoubal Bazar after submitting the memorandum, police personnel were compelled to use force on the protestors.

The injured persons may be reportedly hospitalized.

At Ningthoukhong in Bishnupur district, police resorted to firing a number of tear gas shells and rubber bullets to disperse angry protestors.

Imphal, July 17: Even as Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has assured the people of taking up rigid steps to punish guilty AR personnel involved in custodial death of Th Manorama, wide spread protest demonstration continued at every nook and corner of the State today.

Police also swung into action and lobbed tear gas shells and fired rubber bullets to disperse angry protestors at Greater Imphal area as well as in parts of Thoubal and Bishnupur districts where curfew is enforced, causing injuries to many in the process.

The injured have been hospitalized.

At Lamshang, at least four women sustained severe rubber bullet injuries when police used force and routed them from staging protest at Lamshang Bazar this morning.

The injured women are identified as Koijam Ongbi Taruni, L Rajana, Ksh Naobi and Thambal.

They have been rushed to hospital for treatment.

Three girls who suffered rubber bullet injuries and lathi-charge during a protest at Kongba Nongthombam Leikai have also been hospitalised at JN Hospital, Porompat.

They are Nongthombam Chaobi alias Memtombi (18), Nongthombam Sajoubi (20) and Athokpam Romi (17), all residents of Kongba area.

One 35-year old woman, identified as Toijam Shantibala has also been admitted at the same hospital for the injuries she suffered when police fired tear gases to scare away sit-in-protestors in front of Thambalkhong Junior High School at around 11 am today.

At RIMS Hospital, one 50-year old woman identified as Yumnam Indramani (50) who fainted after a tear gas canister hit her while taking part in a protest demonstration at Chingmeirong Mamang Leikai this afternoon and one 18-year Dayananda who sustained rubber bullet injuries on his leg during demonstration at Langthabal Mantrikhong have also been hospitalised.

Agitators from Pheidinga and its surrounding area also staged sit-in-protest against custodial killing of Manorama at Pheidinga bazar.

Manipur University Students' Union today mobilized and organized a protest demonstration in front of the University gate.

When police arrived at the scene with the intention of dispersing the crowd, there ensued a pitched battle of firing tear gas shells and stone pelting between the security personnel and angry protestors.

At Naharup Pangong Makhong, a large number of womenfolk had come out to stage dharna responding to the joint protest call of Leitambi Chaokhat Thoudang Nupi Lup, Pangong Makhong; Naharup Pangong Makhong Women's Welfare Association; Thangbijon Muslim Welfare Organisation and Naharup Mayai Leikai Women's Association.

The women protestors were, however, dispersed by the police with used of force.

At Wangoi bazar, police have to use force with firing of tear gas canisters and rubber bullets to disperse the determined protestors from demonstration thrice.

The protest demonstration was jointly organised by volunteers of Chanura Lamjinglen Kangleipak, Wangoi and local meira paibis of Thiyam Leishangkhong.

At Pallel Bazar in Chandel district, womenfolk of all communities including Maring, Kuki, Meetei and Chothe among others staged a mass sit-in-protest.

The agitation was jointly organised by All Pallel Women's Development Assn, All Meira Paibi Organisation and Chingmi Tammi Apunba Lup.

Later during the day, the women protestors also took out a massive rally in the area with slogan shouting demanding punishment of killers of Manorama.

Thousands of womenfolk took out a massive protest rally from Yaingangpokpi to Khurai Lamlong bazar and burnt the effigy of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh in front of the Assam Rifles post at Chingarel Tejpur today in protest against killing of Manorama.

As the rallyists reached Sawombung area police personnel already deployed there blocked the path of the rallyists leading to exchange of angry words between the security personnel and the protestors.

In their bid to control the mob, police resorted to firing rubber bullets and tear gas shells, thereby causing injuries to at least eight women.

They were immediately rushed to JN Hospital for treatment.

Protest rally was also reportedly took out along Imphal-Pangei Road today.

The rallyists intended to go till Khurai Lamlong bazar, however, they were dispersed enroute by security personnel.

Undeterred by police action, meira paibis of the area also took out a torch rally at night from Yumnam Khunou to Pangei Bazar.

Meanwhile, Social Meditation Assn, Churachandpur district has strongly condemned use of force by police personnel against women protestors who attempted to take out a dharna in connection with custodial death of Manorama at Churachandpur today.

Police baton-charged and fired tear gas shells and rubber bullets to chase the protestors, thereby causing injuries to many in the melee.

A sit-in-protest cum public rally was also organised from Khumbong to Keithelmanbi today under the aegis of Konthoujam Kendra Apunba Meira Pabis Lup.

The protestors shouted slogans demanding punishment of AR personnel involved in killing of Manorama and repealing of Armed Forces Special Power Act from Manipur.

Meanwhile, an informed source said that a one-day hunger strike would be held at Sagang Bazar to protest against the custodial killing of Manorama by 17 Assam Rifles tomorrow.

Imphal, July 18: Inspite of the indefinite curfew clamped by the State Govt in the Greater Imphal areas to control the escalating tension among the people, following the killing of Thangjam Manorama by personnel of Assam Rifles on the intervening night of July 10 and 11, sit-in-protests and mass rallies still continued unabated in different parts of the State today.

Lilong United Club Organization (LUCO) and AMSU branch Lilong jointly organized a sit in protest at Lilong Bazar today from 1 pm to 4 pm as a mark of protest against the killing of Manorama.

Kanglatongbi Meira Paibi Lup also staged a sit in protest at Kanglatongbi Bazar today from 10 am to 4 pm.

Cutting across community and political lines, women of various communities including Nagas, Meiteis and Nepalis participated at the sit in protest denouncing the killing.

At Khoyathong, police personnel had to use force by firing tear gas canisters to disperse a group of women folk who were trying to burn effigies of the Chief Minister during the course of a dharna organized in the area.

Sit in protest was also organized at National Games Village Zone III today by volunteers of National Game Village Punshikhul Apunba Nupi Lup (Meira Paibi) and United Communities Youth Clubs condemning the killing of Th Manorama.

At Nongpok Sanjenbam under Imphal West, volunteers of Sanjenbam Khunou Development Club (SKDC), Social Athletic Development Association (SADA), Baruni Road Youth Organization (BRYO), Shangshabi Youth Development Organization (SYDO), Sanjenbam Khunou Meira paibi Lup, Sanjenbam Khullen Women Welfare Association Kambongput Meira paibi Lup, Shangshai Apunba Nupi Lup numbering about 1700 people stage at sit in protest at Nongpok Sanjenbam today.

The protesters later took out a rally in the area condemning the killing and appealing for immediate action against the guilty AR personnel.

Condemning the custodial death of Manorama and also demanding for immediate removal of all black laws from the State, Nungthil Chaibi Mahila Mandal Thambalkhong and Sekmaijin Popular Club organized dharnas at Thambalkhong Sabal Leikai and at Sekmaijin respectively today.

Members of Uripok Tourangbam Leikai Women Welfare Organization, Langjing Makha Leikai Women's Welfare Association, Kongpal Nupi Samaj, Social Welfare Porompat Road, Sagang Area Meira Paibi, Ningtheincha Khul and Okshu, Wakha Nupi Samaj Meira Paibi and Irom Meijroa Apunba Chingkhong Lamjing Lup also staged sit in protests at their respective areas demanding revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the State and punishment of Manorama's killers.

Meanwhile, sit in protests against the extra judicial killing of Manorama were also held at Lilong Chajing Bazar, Leimapokpam Bazar, Nongren, Nongpok Kakching, Nongdam, Yumnam Khunou, Heirok Part II Thokchom Leikai, Okshu, Sagolband Akham Leikai, Thangmeiband Muchi Leirak, Yairipok Malom Awang Leikai, Sagang Bazar, Sugnu Bazar, Sawombung Bazar, Napet Palli, Lamlai, Uyumpok, Sagolmang Bazar, Pukhao, Kongpal Tinsid Road, Heirok Part I Heituppokpi, Thoubal Ningombam, Purum Khullen, Mondum Nepali, Purum Pangaltabi, S Phailen Kuki, Happy Valley, Tiger camp, Maibam Leikai and Bokul Makhong, Waikhom Leikai, Kakwa Sorkhaibam Leikai.

Effigies of Chief Minister O Ibobi were also burnt during the course of the dharnas.

Imphal, July 19: Following the continuing public agitation and escalating tension following the killing of Thangjam Manorama by personnel of 17 Assam Rifles on the intervening night of July 10 and 11, two companies of the Rapid Action Police Force (RAPF) arrived in the State on a special military plane from Allahabad this morning, said sources.

Sources further informed that the two battalions belonging to the RAPF 101 Bn Allahabad which include women personnel have been put up at the 1st Manipur Rifles campus.

It also added that two companies of the RAPF had to return from Imphal as the plane carrying them was unable to land due to bad weather conditions.

Deployment of the RAPF personnel at strategic points in the city began at around 6.30 this evening.

Commenting on the arrival of RAPF personnel in the State to quell the violent agitation of the public, Chief Minister O Ibobi today said that he was completely in the dark regarding trie arrival of RAPF personnel in the State.

Even as the RAPF were deployed in full strength to foil any attempt to stage the torch rally scheduled to be held today from 7 pm, protestors came out to stage the rallies at different points engaging the security personnel in pitched battles all over.

The situation took an ugly turn at Pishum Thong with protestors engaging the security personnel in a pitched battle for hours.

Two defunct vehicles were put up by the protestors in the middle of the road many blockades were put up at different points.

Police and IRB personnel were also locked in a pitched battle with protestors at Singjamei bazar.

A police personnel identified as L Amah Singh (31) of Haobam Marak, of the Narcotics Cell and attached to police commandos was injured in the stand off with the protestors.

He received injuries on the forehead probably caused by catapults.

He has been admitted to RIMS hospital.

An IRB bus was also damaged in the attack by protestors at Singjamei bazar.

Police and AR were kept on the alert at the foothills of Chinga where the Assam Rifles are housed.

A woman was also injured in the stand off at Ayangpalli.

The woman who was hit by a tear gas canister has been admitted to JN hospital and is identified as Pramodini Devi.

At Lamlong Khurai area police and IRB personnel were engaged in a pitched battle who came from three different directions, Pangei, Tinsid road and Soibam Leikai.

To control the surging crowd, numbering over four/five thousand, the police resorted to tear gas firing, rubber bullets and mockery bombs, while the protestors retaliated with catapults.

A number of people were injured.

Top ranking police officials, including ADGP (LO) C Peter, ADGP (Trg) Y Joykumar and others over saw the police preparations at Lamlong.

As the stand off between the protestors and the police threatened to take an ugly turn the Executive Magistrate of Imphal, Th Deven rushed to Kwakeithel today to ensure that live bullets are not fired.

At Khabam Lamkhai, thousands of protestors took to the street defying curfew.

A confrontation ensued between the protestors and the police for hours.

Reports that some protestors were injured have also come in.

Govt offices set ablaze
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 18: Unidentified persons set ablaze seven Govt office buildings indifferent parts of Bishnupur dist last night.

The damaged offices included Ningthoukhong SDC office, Ningthoukhong Municipality Office, Deputy Inspector of School office Moirang, SDC office Moirang, Kumbi Power House office, Kumbi Fishery office and Keibul Lamjao Forest Office.

The buildings of Ningthoukhong SDC office, Ningthoukhong Municipality and Keibul Lamjao Forest Officer were completely destroyed during the fire while the other buildings were saved with little damages as local meira paibis and youth doused the fire.

Rallies, dharnas held, condemnations continue
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 20: In continuing agitations against the custodial killing of Thangjam Manorama Devi, torch rallies and sit-in-protests were organised at various places of the state yesterday evening and today morning.

Even though some of the sit-in-protests were held during the curfew relaxation period many others carried on with the agitation when curfew was reimposed from 12.30 pm at Greater Imphal areas.

At Ghari area near the Tulihal Airport security personnel resorted to firing tear-gas to disperse agitators who had congregated there to shout slogans when the convoy carrying the Home Minister (Minister of state) Prakash Jaiswal passed through.

Defying imposition of curfew, women in large number took out a torch rally from Oinam Bazar till Maibam Lotpaching near the Army post where slogans against the brutal killing of Manorama were raised and demanded revocation of Armed Forces Special Power Act from Manipur.

The rallyists also demanded immediate punishment of the guilty Assam Rifles personnel involved in the killing of Manorama.

The protests staged today were at Kakwa Naorem Leikai where half of the National Highway 39 were occupied by the women agitators, Pishum Thongkhong, Khongman Children ideal School, Cosmopolitan High School (Chingkhu), Lamboikhul Primary School, Moirang Thana Leikai, Khundrakpam Mayai Leikai, Sagolband Akham Leikai, Top Moirang Kampu Tinsid Road, Khongman Zone I & II and Okram Chuthek and Tentha Heibung.

Sit in protest was organised at Sagolband Sadokpam Leikai during the curfew relaxation period today.

Banners demanding arrest and prosecution of the guilty security force personnel and immediate lifting of curfew were put up by the protesters.

Women in large number also staged sit-in-protest at Takyel Khongbal Pungsungbam from about 9 am till late afternoon with similar agitation also staged at Khunthokhanbi Meira paibi Lup premise by members of seven women organisations.

During the police action to disperse the congregation three women identified as M Keinahal Devi (59), Th Mangisana (55) and Th Thangaisana (67) sustained injuries.

Similar sit-in-protests were also held at Torbung Keithel and Phoubakchao Ikhai Keithel today.

Womenfolk of Vaiphei community come out in large number to take part in these demonstration.

At Khurai Lainingthou Lai Wangma, local Meira Paibis held a protest demonstration against the brutal killing of Th Manorama in the custody of 17 Assam Rifles.

The women protestors also demanded punishment of the guilty personnel and lifting of Armed Forces Special Power Act from Manipur.

Thingel Apunba Meira Paibi Lup had also organised a sit-in-protest demonstration from early morning today.

However, police dispersed the protestors at around 11.30 am.

Strongly condemning use of force to foil the democratic form of agitation the sit-in-protesters also charged the police personnel of using derogatory languages.

Charging the State police commando of similar un-parliamentary conduct Sagolband Khamnam Leirak Apunba Meira Paibi Lup demanded punitive action against Imphal West Commando OC Lokhon who led the team.

Arapti Young Learners' Club and meira paibis of the area staged a torch rally at Arapti area last night stro-ngly condemning the brutal killing of Manorama and demanding removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the State.

Meanwhile, many social, voluntary and women organisations continued to condemn the security force personnel’s atrocities and abuse of human rights and demanded immediate revocation of draconian laws imposed upon the people of Manipur.

They also strongly condemned the killing of Manorama after arresting her by issuing arrest memo.

The bodies also flayed security force personnel using force and arms to disperse the agitators who protested in a democratic manner.

All Manipur NGOs Forum palace Compound has also condemned the brutal killing of Manorama and termed the act as inhuman and barbaric.

In a statement, the forum stated that the common people have been made scapegoats in confrontation between UGs and security forces.

It also asserted that security person- nel who have been deployed in the State for protecting the citizens have turned themselves into killing machines under the immunity granted by the Armed Forces Special Power Act.

Stating that the peace will never decend in the State unless and until all the black laws are lifted from the State, the forum appealed to the authorities concerned to lift the draconian laws from the State immediately in the interest of the people.

All Zeliangrong Arts and Cultural Organisation (AZACO) Manipur has lauded the women folks who made a daring protest in front of the Assam Rifles gate as a mark of protest against the brutal murder of Manorama by personnel of 17 Assam Rifles.

Coming down heavily on the Ministers, the organisation said that the Ministers should wake up and take up approriate measure for meeting the people's demand instead of clinging on to their cushioned chairs.

It also urged the people to unite and fight against the army atrocities so that another custodial death does not recur again in the State.

Organisations condem-ning the security force’s excesses and demanding repealing of Disturbed Area status and lifting of black laws from the State are Ucheckon Youths Athletic club (Kongba), Yumburembi Mama Nupi Lup (Kwakeithel Thokchom Leikai), Imphal East District Football Assn (Mapal Kangjeibung), AMSU (Singjamei), ACOAM-Lup (Imphal West), Manipuri Sahitya Parishad (Paona Bazar), Network for Social Upliftment (Wangkhem) and Chaokhat Thourang Nupi Lup (Koirou Mamang Leikai).

Canchi Transport Cooperative Society Limited (Mongshangei) while condemning the killing of Manorama and Saichung village pastor Jamkholet Khongsai demanded arrest and punishment of the Assam Rifles personnel involved in slaying the two.

Kongba branch of Manipuri Students Federation pledging to defying imposition of curfew condemned the State police personnel for using derogatory language to disperse women staging peaceful sit-in-protest at Kongba Bazar.

The student body also took serious note of law enforcing agents singling out and arresting student activists from their houses.

Apunba Nupi Lup (Khurai Thoudam leikai) expressing solidarity to the nude protest of Manipuri mothers at the Kangla gate of 17 Assam Rifles also pledged to continue the ongoing agitation till the culprits are punished and draconian laws repealed.

Expressing serious note at the reluctance of SPF Government legislators, opposition MLAs and political parties to remove Disturbed Area tag from Manipur observed that these people’s representative do not deserve to hang onto their seat and demanded that they resign owing moral responsibility for the prevailing social chas in Manipur.

Members of Khongjom Circle Meira Paibee Forum symbolically hanged Chief Minister O Ibobi singh and Union Minister of State (Home) Prakash jaiswal at the Khongjom War Memorial complex today to denounce atrocities committed by security force personnel against the people of Manipur.

Lamenting imposition of curfew to muffle the sentimental outcry of the people of Manipur in the wake of Manorama’s killing International manipuri Mothers’ Association fervently appealed to the concerned authorities to end the current turmoil in an amicable manner before the matter goes out of control.

Ayangpalli, Islamic Development Council Manipur Minuthong and All Manipur Muslim Students Organsiation have also condemned the killing in the strongest term.

While strongly condemning the cold blooded murder of Manorama, Union of Social upliftment Khurai Lamlong has appealed to the Maharaj of Manipur to take up necessary actions and punish the guilty AR personnel.

In the meantime, highlighting various inconveniences faced by the general public due to imposition of curfew All Manipur Nupi Marup demanded that curfew be relaxed from 5 am till 7 pm.

The body also observed that lifting of disturbed area act from parts of Manipur especially in Imphal areas on trial basis would automatically facilitate removal of the tag from the entire State.

The Marup nevertheless pledged to carry forth the agitation for arrest of guilty AR personnel and total scrapping of draconian laws from Manipur.Rather than getting indulged in petty political differences time has come for one and all to solve the issue at the earliest and in such a manner acceptable to all the people of the State, it said.

To protest against custodial death of Manorama, a large number of local meira paibis today staged a sit-in-protest from 9 am to 4 pm at Leimaram Heinoubok.

Meanwhile, Eagles Club Churachandpur Dist, Local Development Association Kwakeithel, Paradise Club Manipur, All Manipur Film Producers Assocaition Paona Bazar, Kongjeng Hazari Leikai Youth Development Club, Social Worker Congress Khongman Imphal, The Daimond Club Wangkhei, etc have also condemned killing of Manornama and imposition of curfew to foil public agitation.

Publié le 19 juillet 2004 par OneWorld.net

25/8/2004

La colère des femmes contre le viol dans le nord-est de l’Inde

Des femmes nues protestent et lancent des slogans contre le viol probable, la torture et le meurtre de Thangjam Manorama par des soldats para-militaires à Imphal, capitale de l’État de Manipur dans le nord-est de l’Inde, le jeudi 15 juillet 2004. Dans une protestation hautement inhabituelle, environ 40 femmes se sont dévêtues et ont organisé une manifestation devant la base d’Assam Rifles pour protester contre la mort en état d’arrestation de Manorama âgée de 32 ans.

Après avoir mis le feu à des bâtiments gouvernementaux et avoir paradées nues pour protester contre le viol probable d’une femme arrêtée et de son assassinat par des soldats fédéraux, les femmes de Manipur ont juré d’intensifier leur lutte contre les fréquentes atrocités dans l’État très agité du nord-est de l’Inde.

Un couvre-feu sans limite a été instauré à Manipur, à la frontière de Myanmar, pour réprimer la révolte, et des troupes font exploser des grenades lacrymogènes, qui utilisent des canons à eau et qui tirent des balles en caoutchouc pour disperser les centaines de femmes qui essaient de défier les ordres d’interdiction.

Au moins 100 femmes ont été blessées par des attaques policières depuis que la violence a éclaté mardi, et certaines ont dû subir des interventions chirurgicales pour extirper les résidus enfoncés dans la peau.

L’action est consécutive aux violentes protestations des femmes de Manipur à la suite de la découverte du corps criblé de balles de Thangjam Manorama, âgée de 32 ans, le 10 juillet. Des témoins ont déclaré que Manorama avait été emmenée de son domicile par des soldats du groupe paramilitaire Assam Rifles, parce qu’elle était soupçonnée d’avoir des liens avec les rebelles séparatistes.

Son corps, présentant des blessures de nombreuses balles ainsi que des signes de torture, aurait été retrouvé plusieurs heures plus tard, à quatre kilomètres de sa maison dans la capitale de l’état, Imphal.

Plusieurs groupes de femmes ont appelé à une grève générale de 48 heures, le lendemain de la découverte du corps de Manorama, de sorte que la vie normale dans l’État fut bloquée brusquement pendant deux jours, jusqu’au 12 juillet.

Le jeudi, des centaines de femmes avaient envahi le quartier général de l’Assam Rifles à Imphal, environ une quarantaine de femmes paradant nues et tenant des pancartes où on pouvait lire : « L’armée indienne nous viole » et « L’armée indienne nous prend notre chair. »

Les autorités ont imposé un couvre-feu sans limite, craignant davantage de protestations. Mais dans la nuit du vendredi, les femmes par centaines se mirent à défier le couvre-feu en envahissant les rues, ce qui a obligé la police à utiliser la force pour tenir les protestataires en échec.

Le dimanche, les protestataires mirent le feu à au moins une demi-douzaine de bâtiments gouvernementaux, et les autorités refusèrent un assouplissement du couvre-feu.

« Nous voulons punir les soldats impliqués dans le meurtre brutal de Manorama et nous exigeons aussi qu’on nous livre les soldats dévoyés, » a dit Memchaoubi Devi, présidente du groupe des droits des femmes « Porei Lemarol Meira Phaibi Apunba Manipur. » Et elle a ajouté : « Il vaut mieux protester nues que de permettre à des soldats de tuer et de violer nos femmes. »

Trente-deux groupes de femmes se sont réunies dans une plate-forme pour protester contre l’assassinat de Manorama. Les femmes de Manipur ont la réputation de prendre fait et cause dans des questions sociales. « Cette protestation ne s’éteindra pas tant que les soldats coupables ne seront pas punis. Même si une personne est impliquée dans une action militante, elle devrait être soumise à une cour de justice, non pas être simplement tuée et violée, » lança Leirik Devi, présidente de The Kangla Mei, un autre groupe influent des droits des femmes. Elle a juré : « Nous sommes prêtes à verser notre sang mais ne pouvons pas permettre que des soldats outragent la modestie de nos filles. Cette protestation s’intensifiera. »

Cédant à la pression, le samedi suivant, l’Assam Rifles a retiré du service un nombre non spécifié de soldats contre lesquels une enquête judiciaire avait été ordonnée pour examiner la mort survenue présumément lors de l’arrestation. Le porte-parole d’Assam Rifles, le Major SD Goswami, a assuré que, « quiconque sera déclaré coupable serait puni. » Le gouvernement de l’État a aussi ordonné une enquête à la suite de la pression croissante des groupes de femmes.

Mais les groupes de femmes de l’État ont refusé d’interrompre leur agitation même après la suspension des soldats suspects.

Leirik Devi a déclaré : « Tant que nous ne recevrons pas l’assurance concrète des autorités que des cas de viols ou d’assassinats sous arrestation ne se reproduiront plus et qu’une action sévère sera entreprise contre ces soldats dévoyés, nous n’arrêterons pas notre agitation. Nous ne réussirons pas à mettre fin aux atrocités commises sur les filles par les forces de sécurité si nous n’adoptons pas des formes radicales de protestation comme celles d’enlever tous nos vêtements en public. »

Manipur a été la scène d’une intensification des d’abus contre des civils et de violations des droits humains par les forces armées dans le but de réduire l’insurrection.

Le militant des droits humains, T. Singh dit : « Le nombre de cas de violations des droits, de torture et de viols par les forces de sécurité se sont multipliés. La Loi donne des pouvoirs spéciaux aux forces armées, comme on en a un exemple ici, les forces de sécurité détiennent des pouvoirs illimités et bénéficient de l’impunité dans le cas de violation des droits. »

« Nos rapports révèlent qu’il y a eu au moins 50 cas de torture au troisième degré sur des civils innocents accusés d’avoir aidé le forces militantes dans l’année écoulée. On a signalé au moins une douzaine de morts de personnes arrêtées dans la même période, tandis qu’un certain nombre de cas n’a pas été rapporté. »

En octobre dernier, Sanjita Devi, âgée de 15 ans, s’est suicidée après avoir été probablement molestée par des soldats de l’armée à Manipur. L’armée a institué une commission d’enquête, mais les résultats n’ont jamais été rendus publics. Selon une autre dirigeante, Saojini Devi, « ce genre d’enquêtes ne sont qu’une farce. »

Il y a plus de dix-heuf groupes séparatistes actifs à Manipur, à la frontière avec Myanmar, leurs revendications vont de la sécession à une plus grande autonomie et au droit à l’autodétermination.

Dans les deux décennies écoulées, plus de 10.000 personnes ont perdu la vie à cause de l’insurrection à Manipur. Même le gouvernement de l’État admet que les forces armées ont commis des abus contre des civils. Le Premier ministre de Manipur, Okram Ibobi Singh, a demandé dans une lettre au Premier ministre indien, Manmohan Singh, que le gouvernement fédéral « contrôle et fasse le nécessaire pour vérifier la conduite du personnel de sécurité » déployé dans l’État.

Pour le moment, Manipur vit un complet chambardement à cause de sa population féminine très déterminée à intensifier ses protestations.

Syed Zarir Hussain

Publié le 19 juillet 2004 par OneWorld.net
Traduit par la liste de diffusion de Femmes en noir

Source : http://sisyphe.org

Stand off turns ugly, 8 hurt in cops action

Source: The Sangai Express

New Delhi, July 22: At least eight persons received serious injuries during a pitch battle between the tear gas and rubber bullets firing security personnel and the stone pelting angry protestors which erupted at Keishampat Thiyam Leikai Bus parking when the former used force to disperse a sit-in-protest demonstration at the bus parking at around 11 am today.

The eight women agitators are identified as president of Haoreibi Apunba meira paibi Lup Soram Sakyai, president of Heingang Meira Paibi Apunba Lup W Bormani, general secretary W Angoubi, advisor Th Angoubi, advisor Th Shakhi, members Memi, Pishakmacha and W Shama The confrontation lasted for almost one hour and vehicular traffic along the Tiddim Road was put on halt during that time.

A large number of protestors belonging to various organizations had gathered at the bus parking to stage the sit-in-protest demonstration.

The security personnel tried to prevent them from holding the demonstration as it was in violation of the restrictions imposed under 144 Cr PC.

As the protestors refused to budge from the site and continued their agitation, the security personnel swung into action and dispersed them by firing tear gas canisters and rubber bullets.

Undeterred by the police action, the protestors came back once again and resumed their stir raising slogans like ‘Remove Armed Forces Special Power Act’ and ‘Go Back Indian Army’, etc.

Reinforcement of security personnel were called in and more rubber bullets and tear gases were fired resulting in confrontation with the angry protestors and bystanders who retaliated with catapults and stone pelting.

While the confrontation was at its peak, eight women protestors managed to make a slip and rushed to the Gate of Chief Minister’s official bungalow and shouted slogans, banging the gate.

They were arrested by the security personnel deployed in and around the CM’s bungalow and later released at Koirengei Chingon.

At Thangmeiband Lilashing Khongnangkhong, hundreds of local meira paibis staged sit-in-protest from 9 am till 4 pm today.

The protestors denounced the atrocities committed by security personnel and demanded lifting of Armed Forces Special Power Act from Manipur.

At Uripok Naoremthong Keithel, around 500 womenfolk belonging to 20 different meira paibi lups of the area demonstrated a sit-in-protest.

The slogan shouting protestors also demanded the revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the State as well as resignation of all the 60 MLAs if they could not removed the Act by August 15 as deadline has been set.

The protestors bore the brunt of tear gas shells and rubber bullets fired by security personnel.

Women’s Social Reformation and Development Samaj, Khurai Angom Leikai in association with Apunba Meira Paibi Lup of Angom Leikai Mamang, Angom Laikai Mayai, Angom Leikai Maning today staged a sit-in-protest demonstration from 9 am to 4 pm demanding punishment of all the guilty Assam Rifles involved in the killing of Manorama.

Karam Apunba Meira Paibi Lup also staged a dharna at the office premises of the Lup yesterday from 10 am to 4 pm protesting against custodial death of Manorama.

Chanam Sandrok Meira Paibi Lup and Gamma Ray Club, Sandrok have also jointly organized a sit-in-protest demonstration at Sandrok Community hall on July 20.

Similar demonstration were also held at places like Kangabam Leikai, Langjing Achouba, Kongba, Heinoukhongnembi, Bramhapur Thangapat, Wangjing Khunou, etc.

Meanwhile, effigies of Chief Minister and Union Home Minister of State have been burnt by the people at different parts of the State.

At Tera, near Bless Academy School, protestors burnt the effigy of Union Home Minister for Home Affairs Prakash Jaiswal for going back on his words with regard to assurance given on lifting of Armed Forces Special Power Act from Manipur.

Volunteers of MSF and local Meira Paibis of Khwai Kongpal Tinsid Road set aflame effigies of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and Union MoS for Home Affairs Prakash Jaiswal at Khurai Kongpal, Tinsid Road Thongkhong this evening.

Effigies of Jaiswal have also been burnt by volunteers of Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), Thoubal District Committee at places like Yairipok, Phoudel, Tentha, Thoubal Athokpam and Lamding.

Imphal, July 22: Thousands of students from the North East staged a rally at New Delhi today afternoon demanding the revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the region.

Even as the students were headed for Parliament Street, police swung into action and arrested over 400 students including girls.

Twenty seven students were injured, four seriously, in police action, said reports received from New Delhi.

The rally kicked off from Mandi House and then proceeded towards Jantar Mantar.

Police swung into action and tried to disperse the students, when they tried to enter Parliament Street.

Members of the Manipur Students Association, Delhi (MSAD), Naga Students' Union, Delhi (NSUD), Kuki Students' Organisation, Delhi (KSOD), Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights, National Students Union of India, Students' Federation of India, People Union of Civil Liberties, and Indian Democratic Women's Association took part.

Six student representatives who approached the PM's office for an audience were bodily shunted out by the security personnel.

Outer Lok Sabha MP Mani Charenamei, Inner Lok Sabha MP Dr T Meinya and Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing and student leaders later thronged the police station demanding the release of the arrested students.

Significantly the three MPs also tried to get an appointment with the Prime Minister to let the students meet him and submit a memorandum.

The memorandum which was prepared by MSAD demanded the revocation of AFSPA, punishment of the guilty involved in the killing of Manorama as well as evacuation of Assam Rifles from Kangla.

When The Sangai Express contacted Rishang Keishing late this evening, the MP, who was still at the police station to secure the release of the students, said that people will never accept custodial killings and strongly condemned the custodial death of Th Manorama.

On the evacuation of Assam Rifles from Kangla, the veteran political leader said that during his tenure as CM, it was agreed that the AR would be shifted from Kangla and added that it is totally wrong on the part of the Centre to still keep the AR there.

Imphal, July 22: In continuing agitation against the extra-judicial killing of Thangjam manorama Devi by personnel of 17 Assam Rifles and demanding the revocation of Armed Forces special Powers Act, rallies and sit-in-protests were held at various places of the State today.

A massive protest rally was organised by various student, voluntary and women bodies in and around Loktak lake in canoes where slogans were raised for stern punishment of the security personnel involved in the killing of the 32 year old woman and lifting AFSPA.

The rally was jointly organised by Thanga units of AMSU, UCM and Macha Leima and Moirang Khunou Gram Sabha Ima Meira Paibi Apunba Lup, Thanga Ima Meira Paibi Apunba Lup as well as other NGOs of Bishnupur district.

The rally started from Thanga Chinglak Thong-khong and covered most villages on the periphery of the pristine lake.

Protest rally was also organised from Shribon, but the arrival of additional force of Bishnupur police, commando party and IRB personnel who fired tear gas and rubber bullets prevented the protesters from reaching its conclusion point at Moirang Bazar.

As part of the ongoing agitation to denounce the killing of Manorama, women folk in large number staged sit-in-protest at Oinam bazar under Nambol police station.

At about 4 pm the agitators took out a rally till Irengbam.

At Sekmaijin Khunou, Litan Makhong women members of Sekmaijin Khunou areas including those from the Muslim community of Phoubakchao village participated at the sit-in-protest today.

Members of Khanarok Dissent Youth Club, Khanarok Women Development Assn and Khanarok Khunou Women Assn (Ma-ring) staged protestat Khanarok community hall from 8 am till 4 in the evening.

Similar protest was held at Lalambungmakhong Takhellambam Leikai by local women folks and at RIMS Road by members of Manipur Urban Financial Cooperation and Tarosyl Economical Cooperation.

Reports of staging sit-in-protest were also received from Khundrakpam, bashikhong Panthoibi Bazar, Singjamei Thongkhong, Heirangoithong Bazar, Iroisemba, Lamboikhongnangkhong, Singjamei Chingamakha, Ucheckon, Khongman, Kongba, Soibam Leikai, Kongpal irampham Thongkhong, Porompat DC Road, Waithou Bazar, Tangjeng, Pangei and Khurai lamlong Keithel.

While the Khurai lamlong Keithel protest was on an Imphal East district police arrived at the protest site and arrested some persons including the Khurai kendra MLA N Bihari on grounds that restriction on assembly of five or more persons is in enforced even during curfew relaxation period.

All the arrested agitators were released after furnishing personal (PR) bond.

ruling front MLA Y Erabot of Wangkhei assembly constituency also participated at the sit-in-protest staged at Old Checkon Bazar.

Talking to reporters at the side line of the protest, Erabot describing AFSPA as a powering the security forces to harass innocent civilians demands its removal without any further delay.

protesting inconsiderate attitude of the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh his effigy was burnt by agitators at Kongba Nongthombam Leikai.

Effigies of Chief Minister, Information and public Relation Minister W leima and 9 Sector Assam Rifles Commander VK Pillai were burnt by infuriated members of Thongju Pheijaleitong Area Apunba Meira paibi Lup at Pheijaleitong today evening after staging a sit-in-protest at the same area.

India

The Merciless Killing of Thangiam Manorama

Manipur, India, July 23, 2004

Unlawful killings in Manipur, a tiny state in the northeast corner of India, are not unusual. Many residents of Manipur allege that under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) of 1958, arbitrary detention, torture, rape and looting by security personnel is commonplace. They say that at least 18 unexplained deaths have occurred since April 5th of this year.

The Armed Forces Special Powers Act
Under Section 4 of the AFSPA, all security forces are given unrestricted and unaccounted power to carry out their operations, once an area is declared disturbed. Even a non-commissioned officer is granted the right to shoot to kill based on mere suspicion that it is necessary to do so in order to "maintain the public order". The AFSPA gives the armed forces wide powers to shoot, arrest and search, all in the name of "aiding civil power." The army can shoot to kill, the army can enter and search without a warrant, and the army can destroy property and arrest anyone it chooses -- without a warrant.

Under Section 5 of the AFSPA, once the military has arrested someone, they must hand that person over to the nearest police station with the "least possible delay." There is no definition in the act of what constitutes the least possible delay.

Under section 6 no legal proceeding can be brought against any member of the armed forces acting under the AFSPA, without the permission of the Central Government.

According to the South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre, there are several cases pending before the Indian Supreme Court, which challenge the constitutionality of the AFSPA. Some of these cases have been pending for over nine years. It is extremely surprising that the Delhi High Court found the AFSPA constitutional given the wording and application of the AFSPA. The people of Manipur say the AFSPA is unconstitutional and should be repealed by the judiciary or the legislature to end army rule in the northeast.

It was under the AFSPA that an arrest memo was issued for Thangiam Manorama. At approximately 12:30 a.m. on July 11th several 17th Battalion of Assam Rifles personnel allegedly broke down the door of the 32-year-old woman’s home, dragged her out of bed, and physically assaulted her two younger brothers and her elderly mother when they tried to intervene.

Several personnel then dragged Manorama to a veranda where she was allegedly blindfolded, tied, tortured and brutally assaulted for hours.

Some personnel came back into the house from the veranda and took a towel and water container, allegedly using them to gag Manorama and pour water on her face while assaulting her. Later another Assam Rifle personnel came inside and took a kitchen knife.

Before taking Manorama with them, the security personnel gave the arrest memo to the family and forced them to sign a “No Claim Certificate.” The document certified that no property was damaged and that the personnel had not “misbehaved with women folk.” (The family alleges that the 17th Assam Rifles personnel looted them of 5,000 rupees and some jewelry.) It should also be noted that the time written on the certificate was 3:30 a.m. – three full hours after the Assam Rifles arrived at Manorama’s home.

The arrest memo stated that Manorama was arrested on the suspicion that she had links with the underground People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

The security personnel told Manorama’s family that she was being taken to Kangla, the fort where the Assam Rifles are stationed.

But Manorama never made it to the Kangla fort. Her partially clothed body was found dumped on the side of a road later that day.

The villagers who found Manorama’s body said that there were scratch marks from fingers all over her body, a deep gashing knife wound on her right thigh, signs of bruises on her breasts, deep cut marks on her inner thighs, and genitals, and several bullet wounds.

The autopsy of Manorama’s body was conducted at the Regional Institute of Medial Sciences Hospital (RIMS) after the Irilbung police picked up her body. The autopsy was performed before family members were able to identify the body and the results of the report were not released to the public.

The bereaved family members have refused to take back Manorama’s body, stating that as a murder, an inquiry should be conducted.

For the people of the city of Imphal, this was the last straw.

Merely punishing the men involved in the killing of Manorama will not pacify the people they say. They are demanding the complete revocation of the AFSPA so that the excesses of the security personnel can be put to a final stop.

A desperate protest
Venting their bottled up rage, and despite the humiliation of their act, prominent women in the community protested by disrobing in front of the Assam Rifles Headquarters. They shouted, “rape us, kill us, take our flesh” while attempting to break open the AR headquarters gate.

Immediately following, an indefinite curfew was imposed in Imphal and the surrounding area, although there has been no let up in the protests. In spite of the curfew, sit-in protests and mass rallies continue in Manipur.

Outraged, members of various organizations submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister O Ibobi, who has admitted that there has been no improvement in law and order since the AFSPA was imposed in 1980. He added that the government is looking into the feasibility of revoking the Act.

In the meantime the State Government has decided to institute a Judiciary Inquiry into the alleged custodial killing of Thangiam Manorama by the 17th Assam Rifles personnel. The decision was made during a high level meeting convened by the Chief Minister.

The 17th Assam Rifles ultimately released a statement claiming that Manorama was a self styled corporal of the underground PLA and was killed while attempting to escape.

There were sharp reactions to this statement by several women’s organizations saying that the 17th Assam Rifles were trying to somehow justify the brutal killing. Even if Manorama was a separatist member, the army should not possess such unchallengeable powers. They also refuted the charges leveled by Assam Rifles authorities against Manorama.

Y Ibeni, the president of the women’s organization, All Manipur Nupi Marup, said that a team of women will leave for New Delhi this week to highlight the atrocities of the Assam Rifles personnel. In a no nonsense tone, Ibeni also requested that the Chief Minister should make public the autopsy report due to the grave suspicions over the manner of the death of Manorama. Strongly condemning the killing, Ibeni said that even in times of
war women are not subjected to such excesses.

Ibeni also said that dumping Manorama’s body on a roadside showed the audacity of the security personnel. Ibeni also questioned why there were no women personnel present when Manorama was picked up by the AR men adding that the law does not allow a woman to be picked up after sun set.

The “Committee Against the Brutal Killing of Th Manorama Devi By 17 AR" has clarified that Manorama was an innocent civilian who did not have any sort of connection with any of the underground organizations operating in the State. According to some of the residents living in Bamon Kampu,“allegations leveled against Manorama by the Assam Rifles authorities was nothing but an attempt to hoodwink the public and cover up their inhuman deeds.” The residents also feel that “the AR authorities' attempt to pacify the public by terming the victim as a hardcore PLA cadre have backfired and has resulted only in adding fuel to the bottled up rage and anger of the people."

Promises made by Union Minister of State for Home
Making a specific commitment, Union Minister of State for Home, Sriprakash Jaiswal, promised to vacate the historic Kangla fort by December 31, 2004. The Kangla fort was the seat of power for Manipur kings until it was lost to the British in 1892. The fort has been with the Indian army since Independence and has been a bone of contention. Should the promise be kept, Manorama's death will mark a turning point in the history of Manipur.

The other promises included a review of the AFSPA. Jaiswal specifically stated that in the future the army would use women personnel whenever an action is initiated against a female suspect. The state police will also be involved.

Despite the promises made, most in Manipur feel that this is just another stunt to quell the ongoing public protest demanding the removal of the AFSPA.

Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Most of the people of Manipur want a complete review of the RAP as well.

Currently no non-Indian citizen can enter the northeast area without a special visa.

All foreigners need a special permit called the RAP to enter the region -- valid for 14 days from the day the visa is stamped, and usually valid for only 3 days in Imphal.

This permit also applies to Indians who have changed their nationality.

It is the belief of the residents of Manipur that this visa restriction was set up so that western journalists can’t see what is taking place in this isolated region. The residents also say that not even Kashmir has such strict restrictions. They believe this is due to the northeast regions’ lack of political voice given their small population within India.

Without access to the area by the western countries, they believe that human rights violations will continue to go unnoticed and unreported.

The citizens of Manipur firmly believe that both the RAP and the AFSPA is what gives the Indian government and its army unrestricted powers to continue committing blatant atrocities. They also say that the government can argue that they need the AFSPA to continue fighting the separatists but they can have no good argument to justify the restriction of foreigners to the region. They also say that the RAP denies the region from enjoying lucrative foreign tourism money.

Lack of information about the incident in the Indian press
While there is nothing in writing, it is understood that journalists in Manipur must be very cautious about what they report because of the unchallengeable power of the AFSPA.

But many in Manipur do not understand the apathy shown by the Indian national news providers, by ignoring the whole incident and making no mention of the current crisis. They are deeply hurt and frustrated by the fact that newspapers and media of their own country choose not to give any coverage to the events taking place in Manipur. They say that time and again the Indian press has failed in their responsibility to highlight the plight of the innocent people of Manipur against the brutality unleashed by the Indian Army.

What will happen in the future to correct these injustices is uncertain.

The alleged torture and extra judicial killing of Thangiam Manorama and various other central and critical issues pertaining to the state were
discussed at the 22nd session of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Population at Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.

Presently, police are on the streets of Imphal firing tear gas shells and rubber bullets, destroying property and injuring women and young protesters.

Perhaps the brutal ending of Thangiam Manorama’s short life will be a new beginning for Manipur and its proud people. And if this is so, then perhaps Manorama’s merciless killing will have some meaning after all.

Imphal, July 24: In continuation of the protest demonstration against brutal killing of Thangjam Manorama by personnel of 17 Assam Rifles, United Committee Manipur (UCM) Lamlai Unit today organised a cycle rally from Yaingangpokpi till Khurai Lamlong Bazar.

Around 700 protesters took part in the cycle rally which was flagged off from 7 am.

They carried banners and festoons with slogans demanding punishment of guilty AR personnel and removal of Armed Forces Special Power Act, 1958 written on them.

As the protesters reached Lamlong Bazar, security personnel who were already deployed there fired tear gas shells to disperse them.

Angry protesters retaliated with stones and catapult resulting in firing of more tear gas shells and rubber bullets by the security personnel before the situation was brought under control.

The confrontation lasted for almost half an hour.

Though the angry protesters retreated under pressure, they burnt the effigies of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, former Chief Minister RK Dorendro, Lamlai Kendra MLA Ph Parijat, GOC of Assam Rifles and Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Prakash Jaiswal near Lamlai Police Station at around 4 pm.

On the other hand, AMSU Singjamei Branch in association with 23 other organisations staged a mass sit-in-protest demonstration at Singjamei Bus Parking.

Undeterred by police action, the protesters also burnt effigies of Chief Minister, Prime Minister and Union Minister of State for Home Affairs amidst shouting of slogans demanding revocation of Armed Force Special Power Act and punishment of guilty AR personnel involved in the killing of Manorama.

Around 300 people also took part in a protest demonstration in front of the office of the Hindi Parishad at Paona Bazar this morning.

The demonstration was organised by All Manipur Democratic Women’s Association in association with Paona Bazar Women’s Welfare Organisation, Governor Road Women’s Welfare Organisation and Kakhulong Mathenmi and Women’s Society.

People Welfare Forum, Thoubal District in assn with various other local clubs and Meira Paibis Lups also organised a mass sit-in-protest at Wangjing Bazar today.

Around 300 persons took part in the demonstration held from 11 am to 4 pm.

The protesters also shouted slogans denouncing the excesses being committed by security personnel on innocent people of the State in the name of counter-insurgency operation and demanded lifting of Armed Forces Special Power Act from the State immediately.

Around 200 womenfolk staged a sit-in-protest at Thoubal Kiyam Tangjeng.

They also took out a torch rally braving police action.

Similar demonstration would also be held at other parts of the district tomorrow, Forum president AK Memcha Devi informed.

Intensifying the ongoing movement, relay hunger strikes were also continued to be launched at different parts of the State.

On the second day today, around 800 people took part in a relay hunger strike agitation held at Hiyanglam Wabagai Lamkhai Bazar today from 9 am to 3 pm.

The agitation was jointly organised by SEDO Hiyanglam; CARD Wabagai; AMAWOVA, Hiyanglam Unit; Kangleichol, UCM Lamkhai Unit and Ikam Lup.

Meanwhile, Oriental Ching-Tam Peace Committee, Kakching Khunou has announced that it would be organising a mass sit-in-protest demonstration in collaboration with various other local organisations on July 26 at Kakching.

Joining in the condemnation chorus against extra-judicial killing of Manorama by AR personnel are also many organisations like Thoubal District Council and Khangabok Zonal Council of All India Students’ Federation (AISF).

In separate press statement, the students’ bodies also demanded fitting action against the guilty personnel.

Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy students’ Union; Yumnam Leikai Meira Paibi Apunba, Manipur; Oinam Sawombung Women’s Development Assn; Local Youth Development Assn, Kwakeithel Leimakhujam Leikai; Khura Washang, Thangmeiband; Moirang Women’s Action Committee; Integrated Women’s Development Orgn, Ningthoukhong; Social and Women’s Welfare Assn, Kwasiphai; Thinungei Women’s Welfare Assn; Meira Apunba Lup, Ningthoukhong; Oriental Youths’ Orgn, Kongpal Makha; United Meetei Pangal Development Organisation, Kwakta; Meetei Marup, Wangkhei Thambalkhong; Youth Popular Club, Kyamgei Awang Leikai; WH Embroidery, Wool Knitting and Training Centre, Singjamei Super Market and Ningombam Nupija Yaipha Seva Marup have also strongly condemned extra-judicial killing of Th Manorama.

Manipur College Students' Union (MCSU) while strongly condemning the brutal murder of Thangjam Manorama by personnel of 17 Assam Rifles has appealed to the State Govt to punish the guilty personnel immediately so that such actions are never repeated again in future.

Asserting that imposition of curfew was creating a lot inconveniences to the students community, it urged the Govt to lift the curfew immediately in the interest of the Students community.

Imphal, July 26: Several members of the Manipur University Students' Union including its president Ashirjit Luwang were seriously injured when State police commandos deployed at the Governor's gate lathi charged them while trying to stage a peaceful protest in front of the Raj Bhawan gate this afternoon.

According to reports, the incident occurred when a number of university students who came in two buses jumped down and tried to stage a sit in protest at the Raj Bhawan gate at around 1.25 pm demanding the punishment of Manorama's killers and removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the State.

The protesters also wore badges on their hands reading "arrest us".

Although taken by surprise, police personnel deployed in the area immediately swung into action and started thrashing the protesters brutally when they refused to go back.

The police beatings continued for nearly twenty minutes.

Despite the severe beatings, the protesters still refused to leave the area and continued their protest by lying on the ground bearing the onslaught of the police personnel.

However the police personnel still carried on their attack on the students raining blows and kicks until some of the students lost consciousness.

Having found no means to disperse the agitating students, the police dragged the injured students into their vehicles and carried them away.

Some girl students who also protested across the road were also dispersed by the police personnel by lobbing tear gas shells.

MUSU member Grison Inka (Commerce Department) and many others who fell unconscious during the lathicharge had to be carried off from the site by the police personnel.

Meanwhile, Manipur University Vice Chancellor Ng Bijoy who visited the injured MUSU members at RIMS this evening has strongly condemned the lathicharge on innocent MUSU students by personnel of State police and traffic cops and termed the act as barbaric and inhuman.

He stated that the police should have acted with restraint and arrested the protesters instead of raining blows and booting the helpless students.

Injured MUSU president L Ashirjit Luwang while talking to this reporter from his hospital bed strongly condemned Governor Arvind Dave for remaining completely silently silent when innocent students were thrashed black and blue by the State security personnel.

It may be noted here that Governor Arvind Dave is the Chancellor of MU.

The Joint Committee of the 32 organisa- tions spearheading the current agitation has also con- demned police excesses.

Several rallyist injured in police action
Source: PTI

Imphal, July 29:

At least 50 people were injured in police action in Manipur today during a massive rally organised by 32 social organisations in the state capital protesting against the custodial death of Th Manorama Devi and demanding immediate withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the state, official sources said.

However, unofficial sources put the injury figure at 100.

Over one lakh people who had gathered at Thangmeiband Thau ground here initially proceeded towards Khurai, Lamlong, Telipati and Khuman Lampak as charted by the authorities, the sources said.

As the rallyists wanted to fan out to all the major roads, police burst tear gas shells and sprayed rubber bullets injuring several persons, the sources said.

After hectic negotiation, the rallyists then proceeded on the government-charted route with slogans and placards demanding removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, asking the Army and central forces to go back and stop torturing civilians, the sources said.

The rally organisers said they had strongly objected to the route recommended by the authorities and wanted to take out the procession through all major roads.

Official sources said the rallyists had initially followed the government-charted route but when the rally reached the gate of Khuman Lampak stadium as planned, the processionists wanted to proceed towards North AOC Point.

To prevent the people from entering the North AOC Point, the police then burst tear gas shells and fired rubber bullets injuring many of them, the sources said.

After trouble at Thangmeiband Thau ground and at the stadium gate, volunteers of the organisations formed a human chain preventing the people from entering North AOC point, the sources said.

The rallyists then converged at a public meeting at the Khuman Lampak stadium where speakers condemned the police action and demanded immediate withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Power Act from the state.

The organisers told PTI they would continue with their current agitation till the Armed Forces Special Powers Act was completely withdrawn from the state.

Rallyists engage cops in pitched battles
Demands raised to lift AFSPA within 24 hrs, Court arrest to follow, Moreh follows suit with rally
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 29: Over a hundred people were injured when a confrontation between State police, Rapid Action Police Force and rallyists, who had come out in full strength to take part in the rally, turned ugly forcing the security personnel to fire tear gas shells, rubber bullets and mockery bombs.

The rally was finally staged along the route charted out by the Government earlier and the public meeting which followed at Khuman Lampak main stadium resolved that if the Armed Forces Special Powers Act is not withdrawn within 24 hours, effective from 3 pm today, the people will resort to Court arrest all over.

Earlier, things took an ugly turn as information started filtering in that the police had stopped protestors from other districts to proceed towards THAU ground at Thang-meiband, where the rally was supposed to kick off.

Following this, the organisers of the rally were forced to announce that the rally would be called off and instead a public meeting would be held at THAU ground.

However this did not pacify the incensed people and only added to their ire and frustration.

Shortly later, a number of protestors, trooped out of THAU ground with festoons and banners and tried to barge their way through Khoyathong side, which was announced off limit, by the Government earlier.

Police personnel and Rapid Action Police Force personnel deployed on duty then fired tear gas canisters and rubber bullets to disperse the advancing crowd.

The protestors retaliated with stones and catapults.

The stand off lasted for about one hour and later the protestors decided to take the route charted out by the Government earlier.

Even as the pitched battle was raging at Thangmeiband, thousands of people from Heingang side came towards THAU ground to take part in the rally.

The rallyists were however stopped by the police at Chingmeirong Khongnang Ani Karak and were later directed towards Dingko road.

Another stand off occurred even as the rallyists were proceeding towards Khuman Lampak along Minuthong, the route spelt out by the Government.

The protestors, still incensed over the action of the police, then started dismantling the barricades put up by the police on the road.

Here again the security personnel reacted with tear gas and rubber bullets, dispersing the protestors.

Quite a number of youth were seen jumping into the Imphal river and swimming to the other side of the river bank.

The situation was defused with the arrival of leaders of the 32 organisations who asked the police to stop their action with the assurance that they would control the protestors.

Thereafter the rallyists proceeded towards Khuman Lampak main stadium, where a public meeting was held.

Before the meeting started, a two minute silence was observed to pay respect to all the departed souls who died due to the atrocities of the security personnel acting under the AFSPA.

A four point resolution was adopted after the public meeting which included, mass Court arrest if the AFSPA is not lifted within 24 hours from the State, fitting punishment of the security personnel responsible for killing Pastor Jamkholet Khongsai and punishment of the personnel involved in eliminating Th Manorama after arrest.

The meeting further resolved that the Working Committee of the Apunba Lup will be handed the responsibility of charting out future course of action and reiterated that the agitation will continue until the demands are met.

Three MLAs, S Natum of the MNC, I Hemochandra of the FPM and L Ibomcha also of the FPM took part in the rally which was participated by thousands of people.

A rally organised by Meitei Council was also held at Moreh today, said sources.

Imphal, July 30: State security forces successfully foiled a student rally jointly organized by AMSU, MSF and DESAM at Thoubal today.

According to reports, a large number of students who had gathered at Thoubal Bazar for the rally were dispersed by the security personnel who were deployed in the area even before they could take out the rally.

The rally was called by the student bodies against the killing of Manorama and revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the State.

Talking to media-persons at Thoubal today, the leaders of the student organizations while strongly condemning the security personnel for preventing the students from taking out the rally also flayed the Govt for closing down educational institutions and termed the act of the Govt as irrational and unfortunate.

All Manipur Students Union president Ksh Umesh who also interacted with the mediapersons opined that the Govt has made a grave mistake in closing down the schools and added that the security forces, by preventing the students from staging a peaceful demonstration, are only inviting more trouble from the students community.

DESAM president L Romesh while denouncing the closure of schools by the Govt also warned that the students would be galvanized into action once the schools reopen on August 2.

He also appealed to the people to distance themselves from all political parties and prevent the political leaders from taking political advantage out of the ongoing agitation of the people.

Appealing to the State Govt to reopen the schools immediately, MSF vice president L Ibomcha questioned the Govt on what ground have the schools been closed.

Meanwhile, a students rally was successfully conducted at Yairipok Bazar today demanding for immediate punishment of guilty AR personnel and revocation of Armed Forces Special Power Act from the State.

The rallyist later burnt the effigies of Chief Minister O Ibobi and MLA Dr Nimaichand Luwang at the gate of Dr Nimaichand Luwang.

Imphal, July 30: Even as various organizations continue to slam the Congress-led SPF Government for its indifferent attitude to the demand for lifting Armed Forces Special Powers Act, about 400 Congressmen staged a sit-in-protest at Wangoi bazar today on the same issue.

Holding banners and placards, demanding scrapping of black laws in the interest of the people the Congressmen demonstrated from 9.30 am till 4 pm under the aegis of Wangoi Block congress Committee.

Among others the protestors include MPCC treasurer S Achouba Singh, members of block Youth Congress, Mahila Congress, NSUI, grievance Cell of the party and Congress councillors of Wangoi Nagar Panchayat.

Meanwhile, the SPF Govt continues to draw flak on its failure to pin and punish guilty Assam Rifles personnel involved in the killing of Thangjam Manorama and delay in lifting AFSPA as desired by the State masses.

Decrying prolong imposition of the draconian act and condemning the extra-judicial killing of the 32 year old woman from Bamon Kampu Toubul Nisha band Association pledged its unwavering support to the ongoing agitation till the people’s demands are conceded.

The Sangai Higher Secondary School (Mantripukhri) also expressed heartfelt condolence at the brutal killing of Manorama while Social Progressive Youths’ Union cum Public Street Lamp Union, Khurai condemned use of brutal force to disperse democratically assembled demonstrators and pledged to support agitations launched jointly by 32 organizations for revocation of AFSPA and stern punishment to guilty AR men.

The SPF Government was severely criticized by Naorem Birahari College Students’ Union for ordering closure of educational institutions within Imphal East and West and Bishnupur districts.

The school closure decision is akin to making the student community the proverbial sacrificial goat to cover up inefficiency of the State Govt, added the Union.

Manipurgi Ngamkhei Kanba Lup (NH-53), Khumbong bazar expressed skepticism at the delayed participation in the people’s movement by opposition leaders including three former Chief Ministers yesterday.

The Lup questioned why had these leaders not lift AFSPA when they were in power and if they harbored any good will for the people as is being projected at the present juncture when the people have rose as one.

The body also expressed apprehension that the opposition leaders might attempt to gain political mileage from the ongoing agitation while cautioning them that such an agenda would only backfire as the people could not be fooled by their mischievous calculations.

Young united Club, Kwakeithel Moirang Purel Leikai during its executive body meeting held today condemned Manorama’s killing and pledged support to all forms of agitation till AFSPa is repealed from Manipur.

Protestors target MLAs' houses

Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 31: Angry protestors today stormed the house of Nambol Assembly Constituency MLA and LDA chairman N Loken Singh and demonstrated there demanding revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from Manipur and punishment of guilty 17 Assam Rifles personnel involved in killing of Thangjam Manorama Devi.

A large number of students and meira paibis of the area descended at the Leimapokpam Mayai Leikai residence of the MLA and demonstrated there at about 1.30 pm.

Loken was also present when the protestors came to his house and he came out to talk with them.

The agitators demanded the MLA for public proclamation of his stand on the demand for lifting AFSPA from Manipur.

But Loken pacified the agitators to wait till August 15, as announced by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh.

Loken nevertheless asserted that he will do everything within his means and would not hesitate to sacrifice his own life in the event of the Chief Minister not able to keep his word.

People can hang me to death if I belied the trust of the people, Loken stated resolutely.

Taking a touch posture, the MLA further asked why the people have to revolt against killing by security personnel only, while they keep mum when underground activists commit similar crime.

Even in the present crisis, people should demand for handing over to the State Government those surrenderees used by the Army personnel in perpetrating crimes.

It is these surrenderees who are to blame, he added.

Notwithstanding the assurance of the MLA, the angry protestors continued demonstration for more than an hour till security personnel arrived on the spot and dispersed them.

Meanwhile, stepping up the ongoing agitation for the removal of AFSPA, a large number of meira paibis burnt the effigy of Oinam A/C MLA L Radhakishore inside the compound of the MLA's private residence located at Keinou Thongkha this afternoon at around 3, said sources adding informed the MLA was not at home when the incident took place.

Security guards of the MLA fired several rounds in the air in their bid to disperse the mob which had gathered at the MLAs residence.

Following the incident a public meeting was also held at the MLA's residence in connection with the ongoing public protest against the killing of Manorama and growing demand for removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the State.

Sit-in-protest was also staged the entrance gate of Minister Govindas Konthoujam's Ningthoukhong residence.

Meanwhile, Nambol City Bus Owners’ Co-operative Society Limited has demanded release of the two buses (MN01-1327 and MN05-0255) seized by the police.

The two buses were reportedly used by DESAM volunteers during the court arrest agitation today.

Protestors begin jail fill-up stir

Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 31: Stepping up the ongoing movement for revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from Manipur and in consonance with the decision arrived at the public meeting held on July 29 at Khuman Lampak, mass court arrest agitation were launched at different parts of the State from today.

Notwithstanding stringent security measures, student activists of Manipur University Students’ Union launched the agitation in front of the gate of Chief Minister’s Bungalow at around 2.30 pm today.

Around 27 of them including girl students came in a jeep and as soon as the vehicle veered near the gate of the Chief Minister’s bungalow at Babupara, the agitating students alighted carrying festoons and banners inscripted ‘Removed Armed Forces Special Powers Act’ and ‘Court Arrest Us’.

They carried out their demonstration in a very democratic manner.

None of them shouted any slogans and each one of them has a picture of either Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle of peace, or Jananeta Hijam Irabot pinned on their chests.

On seeing the silent student protestors advancing towards the gate of the CM’s bungalow, security personnel who were posted nearby acted swiftly and stopped the protestors from advancing further.

For a change there was no exchange of any heated argument nor trigger happy and baton wielding police personnel using force to disperse the adamant students who refused to budge from the very spot they were halted.

In the meantime, a Gypsy vehicle of the police came along and picked up the student protestors and drove some of them off to Imphal Police Station located nearby.

Those who could not be accommodated in the Gypsy were escorted by police personnel on foot till the police station.

Afterwards, two students, who identified them- selves as members of MUSU also volunteered to be arrested and went inside the police station, thereby increasing the number of student activists arrested to 29.

MUSU activists were, however, set free later in the evening.

In a statement, MUSU announced its decision of carrying forward the stir till the demands of the people are met.

Volunteers of People Action Committee against brutal custodial killing of Thangjam Manorama along with womenfolk of Bamon Kampu area also launched court arrest agitation at Irilbung Police Station at about 7.45 am today.

Some 50 of them dared the police personnel to arrest them and shouting slogans demanding lifting of AFSPA from Manipur and punishment of Manorama’s killers.

SDPO Manimohan and his personnel came out on hearing the commotion and court arrested all the agitators.

At least 200 activists belonging to 32 different social organizations were also court arrested by the police on alleged charge of violating restriction imposed under Cr PC at Kwakeithel Bazar at around 11.30 am today.

The slogan shouting agitators were proceeding towards Kwakeithel Bazar from near AMUCO office when SP and Additional SP of Imphal West District Police along with CO of Ist IRB arrived and stopped them.

All of them were boarded in two passenger buses and later taken to the police station.

14 representatives of UCM, Khalam Chingtam unit, AMSU, DESAM and Langmeidong Meira paibi also launched a court arrest agitation at Waikhong police station at about 11 am today.

Similar agitations were also reportedly launched at Kakching Khunou and other parts of the State today.

Tear gas, rubber bullets rain at Lamlong
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 01: State security personnel resorted to firing tear gas shells and rubber bullets to disperse about 500 protestors who had gathered to organize a mass court arrest agitation at Khurai Lamlong Bazar this morning.

According to reports, the incident occurred when a large crowd which had gathered at Lainingthou Ahanba Mandap at Lamlong Bazar forced through the security cordon at Lamlong Bazar and moved towards Porompat JN Hospital road at around 12.30 pm shouting slogans like "Lift AFSPA from the State", "Go back Indian army", "Punish Manorama's killer" etc.

The protestors were stopped near the residence of Wangkhei AC MLA Y Erabot by a large police team led by Imphal East Addl SP who asked the protestors to turn back as CrPc 144 was still being imposed in the area.

However, the protestors refused to turn back thereby forcing the police personnel to fire tear gas shells and rubber bullets.

According to information provided by JN Hospital Relief Committee, 15 persons have been admitted at JN Hospital for injuries sustained during the stand off with the security personnel.

Meanwhile, protestors numbering about 90 who had come to protest against the killing of Manorama and demand revocation of AFSPA from the State were also arrested from the Naoremthong area this afternoon by the security forces.

The arrested persons were herded into two buses belonging to the IRB and taken towards Wangoi PS.

They were later set free at Wangoi at around 4 pm.

In another incident, Manipur University students who had come to launch a court arrest agitation in front of the Chief Minister's bungalow were stopped and arrested by the State security personnel at Singjamei Bazar this evening at around 4.30.

The MU students who came on a canter numbered about 30 and carried banners and festoons reading "Remove AFSPA", "Enough is enough", "Arrest us" etc.

Members of the Bharatiya Janta Party Kakching dist also organized a dharna at Kakching Bazar today demanding the immediate removal of AFSPA from the State immediately.

Senior citizens chip in with Voice of the God slogan : Asserting that voice of the people is the voice of God itself in a democratic country, Senior Citizens for Society, Manipur has asked the State Government to take up initiative for restoring peace and harmony in the State by conceding to the people of the people for revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act and punishment of guilty 17 AR personnel involved in custodial killing of Th Manorama.

In a statement, convenor of the Senior Citizens for Society RV Mingthing advised the Chief Minister to keep his words with regard to revocation of the repressive Act within the stipulated deadline of August 15.

If possible, the Chief Minister should take up steps to lift the Act according to the wishes of the people before the deadline set so that peace and harmony could be restored, he added.

He also appealed to the agitators not to target public properties during the course of the agitation.

Manipur Youths’ Charitable Organization, in the meantime has also exerted pressure on the Government for taking up immediate steps toward lifting the Act without further delay.

Opp lines up series of action, dharna in front of Assembly on the menu
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 02: Even as Chief Minister O Ibobi is busy lobbying with Central leaders at New Delhi to discuss the possibility of revoking the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the State, the Political Party Forum, floated by the Opposition, today categorically stated that there is no need for the CM to lobby with New Delhi as the State Cabinet can easily lift the Disturbed Area Act.

As part of the strategy to put more heat on the Government to lift the said Act, the Opposition is set to stage a dharna in front of the Assembly on August 4.

With the deadline set by the Opposition to lift the AFSPA from the State already expiring, the All Political Party Forum today submitted representations to the Governor, Chief Minister and the Speaker urging them to convene a special session of the Assembly within 48 hours to discuss the issue at hand.

Later speaking to newsmen at the Manipur Press Club, convenor of the Forum, Dr L Chandramani said that if the SPF Cabinet is hesitant about taking such an important decision as lifting the Disturbed Area Act from the State, then the matter may be discussed on the floor of the House and scrapped.

The House may also pass a resolution to urge the Centre to scrap the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

The Forum has taken such a stand not to exploit the situation for any political gains, but to extend all possible help to the Government to resolve the matter, Dr Chandramani stressed.

All political organizations, including the Congress have demanded that the Act be lifted, said Chandramani and questioned why the Chief Minister is so hesitant about taking a definite stand on the matter.

The situation is very volatile, said the convenor and further questioned why the Governor, the Chief Minister and the Speaker should be out of station at such a critical juncture.

DPA leader RK Dorendra, who was also present, said that if the anger of the people is to be pacified then the only way is to convene a special session of the Assembly where all the 59 MLAs can unanimously decide to lift the DAA from the State.

Stating that the continued imposition of the Act has not served any purpose, Dorendra said that other than alienating the people and proving counter productive, the Act has done nothing positive.

On the other hand the activities of the underground groups have intensified, he noted.

The Speaker has the authority to convene the special session of the Assembly within the 48 hrs deadline, said O Joy.

Lamlai erupts in violence, students block Imp-Ukl road
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 03: The ongoing mass court arrest agitation launched all over the State to demand the revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers act took an ugly turn at Lamlai when a class IX student (girl) of Yorbung High School received grievous injuries on her left leg in police action near the Lamlai policestation at Napet Palli.

The students were on court arrest agitation.

In retaliation, the students imposed a bandh at Lamlai bazar, while the Imphal-Ukhrul road was blocked for hours.

According to reports culled from the site of the incident, around 300 students of Yorbung High School marched towards the Lamlai police station to court arrest prompting the police to fire tear gas shells and rubber bullets at Napet Palli at about 2.30 pm today.

The police again fired tear gas shells and rubber bullets at the students near the Amureima Talkies injuring a class IX student identified as Y Bimola of Sekta.

Incensed students then imposed a bandh at Lamlai bazar at about 3 pm and blocked the Imphal-Ukhrul road.

Additional police force from Imphal East then rushed to spot and engaged the students to a pitched battle for about 45 minutes.

A 45 year old man identified as K Jenibala was hit on the left leg by a rubber bullet grievously wounding her.

An elderly of 51 identified as L Bimol of Challou was also injured in the police action.

The two were treated at a private clinic there.

The road was cleared later by the police.

Earlier, around 50 students of Biramangol College converged at the Nongada residence of FCS Minister Ph Parijat today at about 12.40 pm to court arrest.

Police soon came to the spot and took away the students in a 407 mini Tata and left them at Biramangol College.

Curfew heralds return of CM
Sudden imposition of curfew claims man's life
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 04: The district administration of Imphal East and West decided to announce the return of outgoing Governor Arvind Dave and Chief Minister O Ibobi by suddenly clamping curfew, catching many in the lurch and claiming the life of an elderly man in the rush to beat the deadline.

Before the plane carrying His Excellency, Governor Dave and the Chief Minister touched down at the Tulihal airport, the district administration of the two capital districts went ahead and imposed curfew putting up restrictions at many points of Imphal to ensure that everything went smoothly.

In Imphal East curfew came into effect from 2.15 pm while in Imphal West the same was imposed at 1.30 pm.

Even as the police went about announcing the sudden imposition of curfew, an elderly man of 70 collapsed and passed away while trying to beat the deadline.

The deceased has been identified as Elangbam Surja of Hiyanglam Mayai Leikai.

The man collapsed and passed away while he was trying to catch a bus at Wahengbam bus parking.

Passers-by immediately rushed the elderly man to RIMS hospital but he died on the way to the hospital.

City police have registered a case in connection with the death.

The body is presently kept at RIMS morgue.

Amid the deserted streets of Imphal, the Governor and the Chief Minister arrived.

Tiddim Line was sealed off and many who were trying to make their way home after the imposition of curfew were kept waiting by the road side.

It was only after the cavalcade accompanying the Governor and the Chief Minister reached their official residences respectively was the route cleared and those caught outside allowed to proceed home.

Rapid Action Police Force were also deployed at near the Keishampat traffic island to ensure that everything went off fine.

Many hurt as protests continue to intensify
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 04: Even as several hundred protestors launched court arrest agitation at near Tera police outpost, security personnel burst tear gas shells and fired rubber bullets to disperse the agitators after announcing through the public address system that curfew relaxation period has been shortened.

In all eight persons, including, two teenage girls were admitted to JN Hospital for treatment of agitation related injuries suffered at various location of the State capital today when police personnel resorted to firing rubber bullets and tear gas shells to disperse protestors who thronged the streets as part of the mass court arrest agitation.

The injured persons, as informed by Emergency Relief Committee JN Hospital are Haobijam Henry (19) of Khurai Ahongei, Th Ashinikumar (21) Langthabal, Moirangthem Sanjoy (18) - Khurai Chingabam Leikai, Thangjam Madan (52) - Bamon Kampu, Thongam Pholen Khaba (18) - Kongba Nongthombam Leikai, ArambamBonsi (15) - Khurai Arambam Leikai, Koijam Nomita (16) - Khurai Thoudam Leikai and Samurailatpam Renubala (15) - Singjamei Wangma Leikai.

Answering to the call of the Apunba Lup to stage court arrest, several hundred protestors comprising of school students and women activists converged at near Tera police outpost at about 11.30 am demanding removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958, punishment of the 17 Assam Rifles personnel involved in killined Manorama and shifting of AR from Karigla.

As security reinforcements arrived from Lamphel police station along with vehicles to evacuate the protestors, the agitators resorted to stone pelting at the police personnel moments after the security men informed that curfew has been re-imposed from 1.30 pm.

The police personnel retaliated with rubber bullets and tear gas shells to disperse the protestors from the site.

Demanding immediate convening of an Assembly session to discuss the removal of AFSPA in the wake of widespread protest following the custodial killing of Thangjam Manorama on July 11, legislators and leaders of the All Political Party Forum floated by the Opposition parties staged a sit-in-protest at the gate of Manipur Legislature Assembly today.

Security personnel iterating that staging protest violates restrictions imposed under the CrPC 144 herded the agitators in a security bus and detained at Imphal police station.

The protestors also raised slogans demanding stern punishment of guilty AR men and immediate revocation of AFSPA from Manipur.

During similar protest at near Hodam Leirak along the Tiddim Line two women sustained injuries when police fired rubber bullet and bursts tear gas shells to disperse about 500 protestors marching towards the heart of the capital city.

The injured persons have been identified as Chingabam Ningol Jamuna (35) w/o Achouba of Keisamthong Moirang Ningthou Leirak and Kumari Seityabati (22) d/o Kanhai of Keisampat Leimajam Leikai.

Both sustained rubber bullet injuries at the legs.

Seityabati was injured when the rubber bullet pierced through the house wall and hit her at the left leg.

A second confrontation also took place at the same site soon after with police personnel using tear gas and rubber bullets to chase away stone pelting and armed with catapult protestors.

Informed sources said that four persons including one Home Guard lady personnel suffered injuries at the chin likely to be from catapult shots.

Forty year old brother of the deceased Manorama identified as Thangjam Madan also had to be rushed to JN Hospital for treatment of rubber bullet wound sustained during a stand-off between protestors and police personnel at Kongba bazar.

Several hundred people from Kongba area had tried to march towards the capital city as part of the mass court arrest agitation that compelled the security personnel deployed at Kongba Bazar to fire rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the protestors.

Student protestors under the joint initiatives of AMSU, DESAM and MSF attempted to stage court arrest protest at the Raj Bhavan gate but police personnel dispersed them bursting tear gas.

As the protestors made a second attempt to protest at the high security zone the security men swung into action and detained the agitators numbering about 15 at Imphal police station.

Police personnel also arrested several numbers of agitators who were staging protest at Gamnom Sapermeina police station as in consonance with the mass court arrest agitation at around 12 noon today.

The agitators consisted of members of the Senapati district Meitei Social Development Committee, Motbung UCM unit, Motbung Youth Club, Motbung Gorkha Mahila Samaj, Gorkha Welfare Youth Club and residents of Sapermeina, Kalapahar, Charhajare and Kangpokpi.

The protestors were hauled up in three security vehicles and released at near Sekmai.

Skirmishes also broke out at Naorem Leikai and Thangmeiband area as the agitators were dispersed using tear gas and rubber bullets.

Sit-in-protests was also staged by students and teaching staffs of Thambaljao High School (Uripok).

Meanwhile, State Level Nupi Lan Ningshing Lamjel Organizing Committee, Singjamei condemning the extra-judicial killing of Manorama pledged support to agitation in demand for punishment of guilty AR men and lifting of AFSPA from Manipur.

The Committee has also donated Rs 500 each to relief camps opened at JN and RIMS hospitals.

Sports persons protest
MAFYF activists picket airlines offices, many hurt
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 05: The ongoing agitation demanding the revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 from Manipur in the wake of the custodial killing of Thangjam Manorama Devi continues io gain momentum as several section of the society expressing solidarity with the movement took part in agitation.

While State Government employees resorted to mass casual leave today symbolizing the ever growing number of stiff opposition to the repressive Act, sports-persons who attempted to take out a protest rally were engaged in a confrontation with police personnel at Telipati area today.

The rallyists numbering about 500 sports-persons including national and international level competitors converged at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex at around 7 am and began to snake out from the southern gate of the Complex to march towards Lamlpng Keithel after passing through Minuthong.

As the rallyists rejected the security personnel's instruction to wind up the protest and return through the Telipati bailey bridge, the cops resorted to firing rubber bullets and tear gas shells to foil the protest.

During the chaos several young sports-persons, who are regular trainees fell into the river while trying to escape the police crackdown through the narrow bridge even as two female boxers suffered injuries and had to be hospitalized.

Infuriated at the denial for peaceful protest, the agitators also pelted stones at the security personnel from the opposite side of the river.

As part of the ongoing campaign tp demand removal of AFSPA volunteers of Manipur Forward Youth Front sealed the ticket booking counter of Indian Airlines located at MG Avenue today afternoon at around 1.30.

The MAFYF activists numbering about eight barged inside the Airlines office premise and sealing the ticket counter shouted slogans at the gate before Lamphel police station personnel arrived at the scene and arrested five of them.

The arrested agitators were detained at the City Control police station.

Mention may be made that the organization had announced movement to severe all forms of air and surface link with the Indian mainland and urged employees of Air, truck, bus and train service related operators to cease work as solidarity to the ongoing agitation.

As part of the mass court arrest agitation to demand punishment of Manorama's killers and lifting of AFSPA from Manipur hundreds of women vendors of Luxmi Bazar, Ima Keithel and Nupa Keithel of Khwairamband bazar marched and shouted slogans at near City Control police station at around 1 pm today.

The agitators who congregated at the Ima Keithel sneaked through Alu Gali towards MG Avenue from where the security personnel herded the agitators into a security bus to evacuate them from the site to an undisclosed location.

Several number of slogan shouting student protestors were also arrested from near the official residence of CM O Ibobi Singh today as part of the mass court arrest movement call given by the 32 organizations spearheading the agitation in the wake of Manorama's killing.

The agitators who began the march from near the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur office premise were halted by personnel of Imphal West district police and later herded to Imphal police station.

Members of Literary Organizations' Forum, Manipur a common platform of the literary organizations took out a silent rally from Brahmapur Nahabam Basketball Court till Bheigyachandra Open Air Theatre, Palace Compound of Imphal East district to denounce AFSPA, killing of Manorama, punishment of guilty security personnel as well as to protest destruction of public property today.

Later, the Forum representatives also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister drawing his attention to the ongoing democratic mass movement of the people of Manipur for withdrawl of draconian laws.

The memorandum strongly denouncing the' brutal killing of pastor Jamkholet Khongsai and Manorama also demanded immediate revocation of AFSPA as the Act has become ruthless weapon for the security personnel to perpetrate torture of innocent civilians, rape and other forms of rights violation.

The Forum also desired active initiation from both the State and Central Govts to create a favorable atmosphere to talks with insurgent groups.

Sit-in-protest was also staged under the aegis of All Manipur Muslim Coordinating Committee at Lilongfrom 10 am but police personnel arrived soon after and dispersed the congregation using rubber bullets and tear gas.

Infuriated at the police action the agitators numbering about 200 burnt effigies of Chief Minister and some Central leaders.

Police also foiled in similar fashion second attempt by the agitators to stage protest.

Similar protest was also staged by teaching staffs and students of The National Children's School, Khongman yesterday.

Meanwhile, Lamlong Higher Secondary School strongly condemned security personnel's excesses to foil student demonstrators at Thangmeiband College Gate area yesterday.

In a press release, the school's student union decried rubber bullet injury inflicted to four students and bursting of tear gas amidst detained students at Khurai Lamlong Bridge.

The Union also informed that the school students staged sit-in-protest at the school gate today and pledged continued support to the ongoing movement till the demands are conceded.

The BSNL Employees Union, Manipur Division, Imphal strongly condemning the killing of Manorama also pledged support to all positive activities by various organization to demand immediate punitive action against guilty Assam Rifles personnel and removal of AFSPA from Manipur.

Indian protest against terror law turns violent

05 Aug 2004 10:54:26 GMT

GUWAHATI, India, Aug 5 (Reuters) - Police in India's northeast fired tear gas shells at protesters and detained lawmakers and students who tried to defy a curfew on Thursday in support of demands to withdraw an anti-terror law.

An indefinite curfew was imposed in Imphal, capital of the troubled state of Manipur, late on Wednesday after a 65-year-old protester died after street battles between police and thousands of demonstrators, authorities said.

"Unless the government takes a firm decision, the situation will worsen," Pradeep Phanjoubam, a local human rights activist told Reuters by telephone from Imphal.

Fresh protests erupted in the city on Thursday as a group of men attempted to enter the house of the state chief minister to hand over a petition opposing the terror law, forcing police to fire tear gas shells, a police officer said.

About 200 school students were detained at a police station after they tried to march through Imphal in defiance of the curfew, he said.

Several lawmakers who joined protesters in another part of the city, carrying banners that said: "We support the public demand", were also detained.

Heavily armed soldiers and commandos on armoured vehicles patrolled Imphal. Schools and colleges have been closed indefinitely and shops and businesses shut down.

The protests in the tiny, mountainous state began last month after soldiers shot dead a 30-year-old woman suspected of being a rebel during a raid on her home in Imphal.

Manipuris said the incident was yet another example of security forces abusing the 27-year-old Armed Forces Special Powers Act that gives them sweeping powers to search houses and shoot people suspected to be rebels.

The law is in force in India's seven northeastern states, which are plagued by revolts by dozens of guerrilla groups, some demanding greater autonomy and others separate homelands.

More than 10,000 people have died in three decades of separatist violence in Manipur alone. New Delhi says the anti-terror law is necessary to quell insurgencies in the region.

Stand off turns ugly at Lamshang, scores hurt
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 06: With mass court arrest agitations continuing unabated demanding the arrest of Assam Rifles men involved in eliminating Th Manorama after arrest and withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958, security personnel deployed in and around the capital districts are also having a torrid time in keeping the situation under control.

In pitched battles between police and protestors at Lamshang, Lamphal and Moirang today scores were injured and at least 25 people were admitted to RIMS hospital.

As part of the ongoing agitation, students and women folk converged at the Lamshang police station today and attempted to barge into the cell demanding their court arrest with the security personnel responding with determination to keep the protestors beyond the campus.

After the agitators squatted at the police station gate for about half an hour, a team of Imphal West district police arrived at the scene at about 1.30 pm and tried to single out and arrest some 4/5 youths not wearing school uniforms.

When a scuffle broke out between the agitators, who protested the arrest of some particular youths, and the police personnel the latter fired tear gas shells resulting in the women and students running for cover even as some among the protestors pelted stones provoking the cops to fire rubber bullets to contain the situation.

A pitched battle ensued as some youths suspected to be locals used catapults to counter the security offensive leading to rubber bullet injuries of one Th Ibemhal Devi (40) of Lamsang Bazar on the leg.

The injured woman was evacuated in a police Gypsy to the hospital.

Earlier, the agitators gathered at near the Praja Higher Secondary School premises before marching towards the police station.

Keeping up the heat on the State Govt, students from Takhel Sanjenbam educational institutions gathered at the Lamlai PS courting arrest.

With the police failing to pacify the protestors, they were herded on to security vehicles at released at Khurai Tinsid Road and Kongpal Thongkhong.

In protest of the police action the agitators released at Tinsid Road numbering about 150 refused to budge from where they were released and till late evening local club and meira paibi members are reported to be looking after the students.

Security personnel resorted to firing rubber bullet, burst tear gas shells and baton charged to disperse a sizeable mob at Nambol today when negotiations were being held with the concerned SDO to court arrest the agitators, alleged Nambol Area Joint Action Committee who organized the protest.

The Committee strongly condemned the police action while pledging to take part in agitations till the public demands are conceded.

LMS Law College students who launched indefinite hunger strike at Porompat from August 4, were arrested and sent to jail today, informed a press release of the College's students union.

The students launched the agitation to protest high-handed of State police personnel who arrested them for protesting at near the CM's residence and dumped them at Porompat.

The jailed protestors numbered 14.

Meanwhile, sit-in-protests were staged by students and teaching staffs of Eastern Janitor English High School (Thongju Part II), King's Way English School (New Checkon), Recent Higher Secondary School (Sagolband) and Imphal Imi English School (Sagolband) at near their respective school campus.

Youth hit by bullet during protest, police SI hurt in retaliation
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 07: Scores of court arrest agitators sustained injuries, including a youth who was hit by a reflected bullet during confrontation with security personnel witnessed at different parts of the State today.

A Sub-Inspector of Imphal West District also sustained injuries when protestors pelting stone at security personnel in retaliation for foiling agitation.

At around 11 am, about 500 people gathered at Mayang Imphal Thongkhong Luxmi Bazar with the intention of launching mass court arrest agitation at Wangoi Police Station.

As the processionists started advancing towards the police station, a large force of Imphal West District police led by Inspector N Lokhon stopped them from proceeding further with rubber bullets and tear gas shells.

Even as the police managed to drive them off to a safer distance, the infuriated protestors retaliated with stones and catapults assault.

Later police arrested two youths on alleged charge of attacking security personnel with stones.

The security troops were coming towards Shamurou Bazar after bringing the situation under control at Thongkhong Luxmi Bazar when they encountered angry protestors who were on court arrest agitation near Imphal Barrage at Oinam Sawombung Lamkhai.

Stone throwing agitators which included sizable number of young school children engaged the security personnel in a pitched battle prompting the security personnel to blank fire in addition to bursting several rounds of tear gas shells, smoke bombs and rubber bullets.

CDO of Imphal West District Police SI Kishorchand was hit by a stone at his chin during the melee.

The security personnel also pulled up one person for the stone attack.

After the Oinam Lamkhai incident, the security personnel were proceeding to- wards Mayang Imphal on hearing of a similar unrest when they came across around 250 youths taking out a rally near Leishangkhong.

The rallyists were on their way to Wangoi Police Station to launch court arrest agitation there.

On seeing the security personnel, the youths started shouting slogans daring the security personnel to arrest them.

The security personnel who were already under the heat from the previous confrontation used force to disperse them and even resorted to blank firing to keep the marauding agitators at bay.

In reply to police action, the agitating youths pelted stones and released catapult missiles on the security personnel.

The confrontation lasted for almost 1 hour till the situation was brought under control at about 3 pm.

A youth identified as L Santosh was hit by a reflected bullet allegedly fired by the security personnel.

At Mayang Imphal too similar confrontation between the security personnel and the court arrest agitators who were advancing towards Mayang Imphal police station ensued around the same time.

More than 15 persons including two advisors of All Ma-yang Imphal Clubs' Orgn sustained injuries in the police action.

At Sekmai, violence erupted in front of Sekmai police station today with police using force against womenfolk daring to court arrest them by blocking the National Highway 39 for more than two hours.

Responding to the mass court arrest agitation call of the Working Committee of the Apunba Lup spear heading the ongoing movement for withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from Manipur, hundreds of slogan shouting womenfolk virtually laid sieged of Sekmai Police Station and blocked traffic along the National Highway 39 stretch for more than two hours.

Police personnel forcefully put them in a truck and later brought them to the unused Koirengei airfield where they were routed with tear gas shells and rubber bullets.

Four activists of North Imphal United Clubs and Meira Paibees Organization, who took part in the agitation, were detained by the police along with the jeep (MN1A-3174) they were driving.

The detainees are identified as Oinam Herojit, M Tomba, Rabi and Bocha who was driving the jeep.

A large number of students of Singjamei Girls’ High School along with women activists of Singjamei Naorem Leikai Yaiphakol Meira Paibi Lup, Women’s Economic Association, Women’s Welfare Association, Langthabal Kunja today allowed themselves to be court arrest at Singjamei Police Station.

Even as the agitators were being taken into custody by the police, a large number of rallyists proceeded from Singjamei Bazar to launch court arrest agitation at the same police station.

Police use force to disperse them from advancing farther.

At Yaiskul, police fired tear gas shells and rubber bullets to disperse women protestors who took out a rally against delay in lifting of AFSPA today.

Undaunted by the police action, the womenfolk converged once more and staged a sit-in-protest demonstration at Moirangkhom.

Decrying used of unparliamentary language on the women protestors by security personnel, the agitating womenfolk have also resolved to close Yaiskul road under Ward No.

14 to all pedestrians and vehicular movement for 48 hours with effect from midnight today.

Around 30 activists of Nambol Joint Action Committee yet again launched court arrest agitation at Nambol Police Station this afternoon.

Out of the 30 agitators police detained 10 male youths and set the others free.

Yesterday also, JAC members along with local Meira Paibis had launched similar agitation at the police station.

Undeterred by the police action yesterday, 1000 of people from Lamshang area today launched yet another court arrest agitation at Lamshang Police station this afternoon bearing the brunt of tear gas and rubber bullets.

Live bullets last option: ADG
Total number of people injured in police action inches towards 4 figure mark
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 08: With no let up in the street protests staged by various voluntary organizations ever since the demand for lifting the Armed Forces Special Powers Act erupted in full scale, police have had to resort to opening real, live bullets injuring at least 5 persons in the process.

On the other hand the number of injured in police action on protestors is inching towards the four figure mark, with 300 and more admitted to RIMS so far and 374 and above at JN Hospital till date.

Police resorted to real live bullets at Wangoi and Lamlai yesterday and at Top Khongnang Khong a few days back.

While three persons were injured in the police firing at Wangoi and one person at Lamlai yesterday, one person was also injured at Top Khongang khong a few days back.

Speaking to The Sangai Express today, Additional DGP (LO) C Peter said that police first have to resort to lathi charge to disperse a mob or a group of protestors.

When this does not work, then they may resort to tear gas firing and rubber bullets.

Firing real, live bullets is the last option, said the senior police officer and added that even then prior permission of the Duty Magistrate is necessary for the police to fire real bullets.

In case of threat to the personal safety of the police personnel on duty, the cops may open fire but it should not be aimed at the protestors.

Even this should be at the order of a senior police officer on duty, he added.

To a question on what ground the police had fired real bullets at the protestors at Lamlai and Wangoi yesterday, the Additional DGP evaded a direct answer but speculated that it could be because the police had run out of tear gas and rubber bullets.

Police may resort to blank firing to scare away the mob, if there is a danger to their personal safety, said the ADGP adding that this should also be done only after the senior most police officer gives the go ahead signal.

So far, other than the five who suffered real live bullet injuries, over 700 people have been admitted to hospitals in police action.

Of these 300 and above were treated at RIMS Hospital while another 374 and above were treated at JN hospital.

These are the statistics available at these two hospitals but the number could be much more given that quite a number of were treated at private clinics and other health centres in the other districts as the protests were held all over.

Imphal, August 08: Giving a further boost to the ongoing public demand for revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from Manipur, intelligentsia of the State today came out in the open to protest against the prolonged imposition of the repressive Act which has done except allowed the security personnel to indulge in rampant human rights violation.

Writers, film makers and other noted personalities from various walks of life took part in a protest demonstration held in front of MDU Hall, Yaiskul today.

Padmashree MK Binodini Devi and renown film maker Aribam Syam Sharma who were present among the demonstrators spoke eloquently against imposition of black laws in Manipur and demanded the revocation of AFSPA in the interest of peace and harmony in the region.

Tight security arrangements were taken up around the demonstration site, but the security personnel did not use force to disperse the intellectuals from expressing their solidarity to the mass movement for withdrawal of AFSPA.

However, the scene of demonstration at Moirangkhom, just a stone throw away from where the State intelligentsias were staging a sit-in-protest was quite different with local people engaged in a pitched battle with the security personnel.

Intensifying the ongoing agitation, a large number of local residents today came out on the road and blocked the Imphal-Moreh Road stretch of National Highway 39 near Moirangkhom Bazar today prompting the security personnel to use force against the protestors.

The protestors and the security personnel played a kind of hide and seek game the whole day with the former resuming their road blockade every time after they were dispersed by tear gas and rubber bullets.

At Patsoi PS, the protest turned ugly with many people hurt in police action when around 200 men and women from Sangaithel, Loitang, Maklang, Salam, Liker, Canchi Khul, Kiyam, Sairon and Thouroijam launched court arrest agitation and shouted slogans at the gate of the police station.

Police resorted to firing numerous rounds of rubber bullets, smoke bombs and tear gas shells to control the mob.

Infuriated people also retaliated with stone and catapult assault.

The confrontation lasted for almost half an hour and one of the protestors identified as Leimakhujam Shanti (27) of Haorang was hospitalised with serious injuries.

At Lamshang Bazar around 1000 women activists of Lamdeng Makha Leikai Women Association, Chaokhat Khongthang Marup, Toukhong; Heibongpokpi Nupi Association, Nupi Khunai Lamshang Bazar; Progressive Youth Association, Taothang Khunou/Lamdeng Khunou Women Association, Linthoingambi Women Welfare Association, Lamshang Mayai Leikai Welfare Association and Women Welfare Association, Lamshang Awang Leikai Nupi Khunai, Lamshang Bazar took part in a mass sit-in-protest demonstration from 9 am to 5 pm today.

Sit-in-protest demonstration was also held under the aegis of Kangleipak Apunba Meetei Mayek Amasung Cultural Research Association at Heirangoithong Bazar today demanding lifting of AFSPA from Manipur and punishment of killers of Manorama.

Student protestors shout slogans at Raj Bhavan gate
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 10: In daring act of defying police action, five students of Meetei Mayek High School, Kongba today shouted slogans demanding withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act and punishment of guilty AR personnel involved in killing of Th Manorama at Raj Bhavan gate.

The five student protestors managed to sneak into the security ring set up around the Raj Bhavan gate at around 12.30 pm and started shouting slogans.

The alerted police personnel deployed in the area reacted swiftly and chased them out.

But the slogan shouting protestors once again attempted to demonstrate in front of the Raj Bhavan gate after coming from the side of Jail Road, Keishampat.

Police used force and lathi-charged them.

One of the protestors was arrested by the police.

Villagers of eleven villages located in a round Keibi area took out a mass rally in Keibi area this evening from 7.55 to 9 demanding for immediate revocation of AFSPA.

The rally which was participated by about 20,000 people was organized by Awanglam Chingtam Unit.

Effigies of CM O Ibobi and PM Manmohan Singh were also burnt during the rally.

Expressing solidarity to the ongoing public's agitation against the killing of Manorama and removal of AFSPA, Manipur University Teacher's Assn, Officer Assn, Staff Assn and students jointly organized a sit in protest at the University campus today.

The sit in protest which was participated by about 500 persons including the Vice Chancellor of the University began from 3 pm and continued till 5 pm.

Banners reading "Remove AFSPA from the State", "Punish Manorama's killers" and "Stop army atrocities" were also put during the course of the protest.

Students and staff of Maipakpi Memorial Newage Public School, Langthabal Thong Ahanbi today staged a sit-in-protest demonstration in from of the school demanding lifting of AFSPA and punishment of killers of Manorama and Jamkholet.

On the other hand, shopkeepers and traders of Poana Bazar, Imphal have decided to hold a sit-in-protest demonstration tomorrow in support of the public demand for removal of AFSPA from Manipur and punishment of AR personnel involved in brutal killing of Manorama and Jamkholet Khongsai.

Womenfolk selling vegetables and other wares in Khwairamband Bazar have also announced their decision of launching civil disobedience movement on August 12 to exert pressure on the Governments both at the Centre and the State for conceding to the demand of the people.

In continuance of its relay hunger strike in support of public demand for lifting of AFSPA from Manipur and punishment of guilty Assam Rifles personnel involved in the killing of Manorama and Pastor Jamkholet Khongsai, Panchayat cell leaders and members of Manipur People’s Party took part in the agitation being held in front of the party office here today.

The party is launching the stir since August 2.

Executive committee of CPI Manipur State Council has urged the Govt to lift the said Act from the capital city of Imphal area to begin the process of meeting the demand of the people.

The Committee also served an ultimatum to the Govt to make known its stand to the people in this regard within four days.

Imphal East District Council, Bishnupur District Council, Thoubal Local Council and Moirang Local Council of CPI, while endorsing the public demand for lifting the repressive Act have also exerted pressure on the Chief Minister to implement the assurance given to the people for taking a definite decision on lifting AFSPA from Manipur within August 15.

Expressing their solidarity to the ongoing public movement, all the shops in Kwakeithel Bazar area downed their shutters from 4 am to 8 pm today.

Condemning arrest of DESAM, Bishnupur District Council gen secy W Polly, AMSU president in-charge W Binoy, gen secy in-charge T Chingkheingamba and gen editor of AMSU head office N Bhumeshwor by the police on alleged charge of abetting public unrest, MSF, AMSU and DESAM in a joint statement said it would not able to suppress the movement of the people and would rather fan the already charged emotion of the people.

The JAC of Tourist/Inter State Bus Services which has stopped services in support of the people’s demand since August 3 has announced their decision to intensify the ongoing stir.

INDE

Amnesty International demande l’abrogation
ou la révision de la loi sur les pouvoirs spéciaux
des forces armées

Index AI : ASA 20/090/2004
ÉFAI
Mercredi 11 août 2004

DÉCLARATION PUBLIQUE

Environ un mois après la mort de Thangjam Manorama qui aurait été victime d’une agression sexuelle et tuée en détention au Manipur et à la lumière d’informations concernant des violations des droits humains, Amnesty International a demandé au gouvernement indien, ce jour, 11 août 2004, d’abroger l’Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 (AFSPA, loi sur les pouvoirs spéciaux des forces armées de 1958) ou de la réviser, de manière à la rendre conforme aux normes internationales en termes de droits humains. Cette loi est appliquée depuis plus de quatre décennies dans les «zones troublées», notamment dans une grande partie du nord-est.

Dans son Programme commun minimal, la United Progressive Alliance (UPA, Alliance progressiste unie), a indiqué son intention d’abroger le Prevention of Terrorism Act 2002 (POTA, loi de 2002 sur la prévention du terrorisme) et a reconnu son inquiétude quant à «la manière dont le POTA a été grossièrement détourné». Tout en accueillant favorablement l’initiative gouvernementale en ce qui concerne la loi sur la prévention du terrorisme, Amnesty International a souligné des informations faisant part de graves violations des droits humains dans le cadre de cette loi ainsi que sous couvert de la loi sur les pouvoirs spéciaux des forces armées et a demandé en conséquence l’abrogation ou la révision de cette dernière.

Dans les zones déclarées «troublées», comme le nord-est, Amnesty International est préoccupée de ce que la loi sur les pouvoirs spéciaux des forces armées :
- facilite des violations graves des droits humains ;
- donne aux forces de sécurité le droit de procéder à des arrestations et de pénétrer dans des lieux privés sans mandat ;
- permet aux forces de sécurité de faire usage d’une force excessive, notamment de tirer pour tuer même si aucun de ses membres n’est en danger de mort imminent ;
- favorise l’impunité, car il est impossible d’entamer une action en justice contre un membre des forces armées pour tout acte accompli dans le cadre de la loi sur les pouvoirs spéciaux des forces armées sans l’accord du gouvernement central ;
- viole par certaines de ses dispositions le Pacte international relatif aux droits civils et politiques (PIDCP), notamment les articles 6, 9 et 14. L’article 6.1 du PIDCP spécifie par exemple que «le droit à la vie est inhérent à la personne humaine» et l’article 9.1 que «nul ne peut faire l'objet d'une arrestation ou d'une détention arbitraires».

Dans une lettre adressée au Premier ministre du Manipur, Amnesty International a cherché aujourd'hui, 11 août 2004, à obtenir des clarifications sur l’avancement de l’enquête judiciaire concernant l’affaire Thangjam Manorama qui avait semble-t-il été promise le 11 juillet lors de rencontres avec des organisations basées au Manipur, notamment les Meira Paibis (Les porteuses de flambeau). Au cas où elle n’aurait pas encore commencé, Amnesty International a demandé que l’enquête judiciaire débute immédiatement en prenant en considération les allégations de viol et de mort en détention, que ses conclusions soient rendues public en temps voulu et que des poursuites pénales soient engagées contre les fonctionnaires responsables de la sécurité coupables d’actes de torture, d’utilisation d’une force excessive ou d’agression sexuelle.

Amnesty International a également fait part au Premier ministre du Manipur de ses préoccupations au sujet de l’interdiction et de la criminalisation des manifestations et des réunions pacifiques au Manipur au cours de ces dernières semaines. Amnesty International a demandé que des poursuites pénales soient engagées contre les responsables des arrestations et des coups de feu contre des manifestants pacifiques et que les mesures voulues soient prises pour empêcher que ces manoeuvres de harcèlement et ces menaces ne se reproduisent.

Shopkeepers stage dharna defying 144 Cr PC
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 11: Police today rained down tear gas shells on angry protestors demonstrating in front of Ghambir Singh Shopping Arcade here demanding lifting of Armed Forces Special Powers Act and punishment of AR personnel involved in the killing of Thangjam Manorama.

The protestors, most of whom are shopkeepers staged the sit-in-protest after taking out a rally in the Kwairamband Bazar area.

As they were holding the demonstration with shouting of anti-AFSPA and anti-security personnel slogans, police personnel resorted to firing several rounds of tear gas canisters to disperse them.

The incident occurred at around 11.30 am.

Another demonstrator was also held at Paona bazar by the traders and shopkeepers today.

Police fired tear gas shells to disperse the demonstrators, who undauntedly gathered once more and continue their agitation.

A mass sit-in-protest demonstration was also held in front of Assam Oil Division Office at Chingmeirong.

The demonstra- tion was organised under the aegis of All Manipur Petroleum Tankers Drivers’ Union continued till 2 pm.

The demonstrators also released balloons with demand for lifting AFSPA written on pieces of papers pasted on them in the air.

Talking to mediapersons at the occasion, Union president Y Bhupenchandra Ghosh exuded confidence to the ongoing Judicial Enquiry Commission in dispensing justice to Manorama who was killed in the custody of 17 Assam Rifles.

He also informed that transport of petroleum pro-ducts and selling of oil at the fuel pumps have been cea-sed from today to intensify the ongoing public movement.

Members of Sapam Leirak Apunba Lup; Sapam Leirak Choakhat Khong-thang Lup, Sapam Leirak; Nongmaithem Leikai Women’s Association and Leimakon Unit Tera today also organised a mass sit-in-protest demonstration at Sapam Leirak LP School ground.

Later the demonstrators took out a rally and submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh through local MLA M Nabadwip demanding withdrawal of AFSPA from Manipur immediately and punishment guilty AR personnel.

Students and staff of Sangai Higher Secondary School, Mantripukhri have also started silent protest in condemnation of brutal killing of Manorama and Jamkholet Khongsai by wearing black badges from yesterday.

The protest demonstration would continue upto August 15.

Earlier, the school took part in a protest rally and staged sit-in-protest on August 4.

At Nambol bazar also, around 300 people , including men and women, staged a similar demonstration demanding revocation of AFSPA from Manipur and punishment of guilty AR personnel.

All the shops in the bazar were also closed during the demonstration.

O Ibobi's Tryst with Destiny : DAA lifted from Imphal Municipal areas
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 12: Chief Minister O Ibobi has kept his words, albeit with a rider.

The State Cabinet today decided to lift the Disturbed Area Act from the Imphal Municipal areas on a trial basis, in the backdrop of the intense agitation demanding the revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the State.

With the DAA de-notified, the AFSPA will automatically lapse in the areas covered under the Imphal Municipality.

A notification announcing the revocation of DAA from the said areas was issued by the Special Secretary (Home) S Dinokumar today.

Following the decision to revoke the said Act, the 6 SPF MLAs and two Ministers who had threatened to resign from the Assembly have dropped their stand.

The CPI too has dropped its ultimatum to snap ties with the SPF.

Imphal Municipal area covers an approximate area of 34 square kms and seven Assembly Constituencies and 27 Municipal wards.

About 10 per cent of the total population of Manipur live in the Imphal Municipal areas.

The Assembly segments which come under the Imphal Municipal areas are Thangmeiband AC, Uripok AC, Keishamthong AC, Yaiskul AC, Wangkhei AC, Singjamei AC and Sagolband AC.

The Disturbed Area Act was first introduced in the State at Tamenglong in 1961 and spread to the other parts of the State in phases.

The entire State of Manipur was declared disturbed on September 8, 1980.

Speaking at a packed media conference at the CM's bungalow today evening, Chief Minister O Ibobi said that the Disturbed Area Act has been lifted from the Imphal Municipal areas keeping in mind the sentiments and wishes of the people.

Ibobi said that the custodial death of Th Manorama is ample testimony of the fact that the security personnel have been committing excesses and atrocities under the immunity granted by the AFSPA.

The demand raised by the people is justified, said the Chief Minister and it was to redress the grievances of the people that the Cabinet decided to lift the DAA from certain parts of the State.

The Cabinet met from 11 am and decided to lift the said Act after thoroughly discussing the sentiments and aspirations of the people, he added.

Appealing to the people to accept the partial lifting of the Act, the Chief Minister said that if the law and order situation improves, then the Government will not waste a single minute in lifting the Act from other parts of the State too.

State forces will be deployed in full strength to deal with the law and order situation in the de-notified areas, said the Chief Minister and cautioned that if the situation turns volatile at the Imphal Municipal areas, then either the Centre or the State Government may re-impose the same Act again.

To a question on whether the Centre has agreed to the lifting of the Act, the Chief Minister replied that New Delhi is not keen on lifting the Act as it entails questions of National security and integrity.

Ibobi however assured that the Centre will be asked not to re-impose the Act and to accept the decision of the State Cabinet.

As the people could no longer tolerate the excesses and atrocities of the security personnel ever since the AFSPA was imposed in the State, the demand for lifting the Act was raised on such an unprecedented manner, he observed.

The Chief Minister also expressed hope that the people of Manipur will extend their co-operation to the decision of the Govt to lift the Act from certain parts of the State.

Striking a firm stand, the Chief Minister said that the Government will not tolerate if any organization or any anti-social elements raise anti-National slogans or try to promote any secessionist movements.

On the charges of the Opposition that it is within the rights of the State Govt to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, the Chief Minister said that the Nagaland Government had twice scrapped the said Act but the Centre stepped in and re-imposed the same again.

This fact should not be lost on the Opposition, he added.

On Irom Sharmila Chanu, who has been on a fast unto death agitation demanding the revocation of AFSPA since 2000 after the Malom massacre, the Chief Minister said he personally conveyed the decision of the Government to lift the DAA from certain parts of the State to Sharmila today.

Ibobi expressed hope that the Sharmila will end her fast soon.

Acknowledging the gutsy stand of the young woman, the Chief Minister appealed to all concerned to advise Sharmila to end her fast.

Gen strike/bandh cripples normal life, 21 hurt
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 14: Normal life in the capital areas were thrown out of gear today due to imposition of general strike and bandh to protest partial lifting of Disturbed Area Status.

In agitation related incidents at various areas of Greater Imphal, 21 persons, including elderly women, were admitted at RIMS and JN hospital for treatment of rubber bullet, tear gas and baton charge injuries during confrontation with security personnel.

The clashes occurred at Moirangkhom, Kwakeithel, Tera, Keishampat, Takhel Leikai, Nagaram Dingku Road and Patsoi areas.

Out of the injured two youths identified as John Kamson and James Kamson were severely thrashed by State police personnel during a crackdown on general strike supporters at Dingku Road.

Lathi-charge bruises could be seen all over their bodies.

Significantly, Manipur police personnel also detained three private vehicles along with the drivers who ferried injured persons to RIMS following the Patsoi police station skirmish.

They were arrested from RIMS campus while dropping the injured protestors.

With agitation supporters coming out in the streets to impose the strike/bandh police resorted to firing rubber bullets and tear gas shells to disperse the protestors who burnt tyres and blocked roads by felling trees and other heavy materials.

The general strike call from yesterday might in Greater Imphal areas has been given by Zeliangrong United Clubs Association Manipur with other social and student organizations like AMSU, DESAM and MSF also jointly enforcing bandhs at various areas of the capital districts to protest partial lifting of AFSPA.

As the agitationists blocked the main thoroughfares of the capital districts from midnight security personnel had a torrid time in clearing the debris.

All commercial establishments and women vendors at the normally congested Khwairamband market ceased their normal activities in support of the agitation.

With vehicles staying off the road many people, caught unaware of the agitation calls were seen stranded at some passenger bus parkings hoping to find some alternative means of transportation.

Glass splinters were also scattered at some important junctions intent on discouraging general strike violators from plying through it.

However, the strike did not affect daily flight services while the few people that came out despite the agitation were mostly on emergency matter and for religious ceremonies.

Police personnel besides dispersing the agitators with tear gas bursts and filing rubber bullets also conducted house to house search at some trouble prone areas to detain agitation supporters.

Security personnel were kept on their toes along the important Tiddim Line where strike supporters set ablaze tyres and lined up trees to enforce the agitation.

Even though the debris were cleared by the police in the morning the agitationists again came out to choke traffic after the security personnel left the scene.

Similar scenes also prevailed at Khurai, Wangkhei, Singjamei, Nagaram, Nongmeibung, Chingmeirong, Sagolband, Koirengei, Mayai Lambi, Thangmeiband, Keisamthong, Pishurn and Nagamapal areas.

A massive protest rally was also taken out from Khumbong Bazar intent on marching till Patsoi police station.

On getting information of the agitation additional reinforcement arrived from Lamphel police station and attempted to halt the agitationists, who used loud speakers to denounce security excesses and demand withdrawal of AFSPA, in between Sagoltongba and Yurembam.

As the police personnel's persuasion to retreat was turned down by the protestors tear gas shells and rubber; bullets were fired to disperse them.

Upon hearing the commotion some 100 women folk of Patsoi area thronged at the police station attempting to gate crash constraining the cops to take preventive measure to control the mob.

Amidst the strike/bandh related agitation protestors under the banner of Yelhoungeigee Meetei Chingmi-Tammigee Apunba Lup marched from Palace Compound to submit memoranda to the Chief Minister and Governor.

Police personnel, however, prevented them from reaching the destination but allowed the body's representative to submit the memorandum to the Chief Minister and through him to the Governor.

The memorandum endorsed the ongoing agitation of the people while flaying the State authorities for forcible conduct of last rites of Manorama Devi without any Meitei religion formalities.

As part of the ongoing agitation sit-in-protests were also staged at Kwakeithel Mayaikoibi Kongnang Khongshangbi Lampak, Tera, Utlou and Chongabi bazar.

Haobam Marak Keisham Leikai locals imposed 12 hour bandh along Mayai Lambi from early morning till 6 pm today.

To denounce withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 from only Imphal Municipal areas and condemning killing of Saichang village pastor Jamkholet Khongsai and Th Manorama Devi a torch rally was also organized at various Imphal East district areas yesterday evening under the aegis of Manipur Peace and Integrity Council Youth Front.

The protest rallies covered Keirao, Wangkhem, Uchon, Andro, Ngariyan, Yairipok, Keithelmanbi, Leirongthel and nearby areas.

The rallyists also pledged unwavering support to the ongoing agitation called by the 32 organizations spearheading the civil disobedience movement.

Pitch of protest hightens after partial lift

The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Aug 14: Protests demanding the complete lifting of the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act, AFSPA from the entire state continued at a heightened pitch amidst the bandh called protesting the government decision to lift the Act only from Imphal city.

Protestors barricaded several major roads, and indulged in repeated confrontations with the police all through the day today, even as normal life was paralysed due to the bandh called by the Zeliangrong United Clubs Association, Manipur Valley and several other organisations.

The Mayai Lambi road in particular was heavily barricaded with youthful bandh supporters piling up wooden logs, trees and debris, and burning tyres along the road.

The entire stretch of the road, from Karong to Hiyangthang was dotted with such barricades, and attempts by the police to clear the road were frustrated due to the sheer number of agitators.

The Imphal-Moreh road, particularly the Singjamei to Lilong stretch and NH-53 were similarly blockaded at several places. Protestors also blockaded roads at Wangkhei Meihoupham, Lamlong bazar, Tellipatti, Khurai Ahongei, Soibam Leikai, Wangkhei Khunou, Checkon, Nongmeibung, Nambam Chuthek, the Tiddim Road, and the stretch between Keisamthong and Heirangoithong.

At some places, protestors, apart from piling up trees and debris, took to spreading broken glass and fixing nails on the road surface to impede traffic, including at Minuthong, Lamlong, and Langthabal, among others.

The mass agitation was suddenly intensified today with many of the protesters becoming violent at different places.

Excited youths who said that they were provoked by the tear gas bursting police, retaliated with shots from their catapults in many places today.

Police personnel were involved in duels, some of which lasted nearly the whole day, with the youths at Sangakpham, Khurai, Singjamei, Mongsangei, Kongba, besides many other places.

In one such incident at Hatta Golapati, Minuthong, one Phundreimayum Hakim, son of Md Azad, was hit by a live bullet at his right thigh. The bullet passed through and was rushed to JN Hospital. As his condition became serious he was referred to RIMS hospital where he is undergoing treatment.

In the evening women turned out in large numbers and held torch rallies across the Imphal areas. However, they were dispersed by the police using mob dispersing methods.

Police dispersed the rallies this evening at Khurai Soibam Leikai, Khurai Lamlong Bazar and Khurai Konsam Leikai, Thangmeiband DM College gate, Tera bazar, Keishampat, Kwakeithel, Wangkhei, Singjamei and various other places.

Along NH-53, around a thousand agitators gathered at Lanshanbi bazar, and attempted to march towards Patsoi police station. The slogan shouting protestors were stopped by police at the Yurembam power house, by bursting tear gas shells and firing rubber bullets.

Women of the Mahabali Kabui Women’s Association staged a sit-in protest near the BOAT area denouncing the partial lifting of AFSPA.

In the meantime, owing to the 14-hour bandh today, most local markets in the greater Imphal area, including Khwairamband bazar, Tera Bazar, Singjamei Bazar, Kwakeithel Bazar, Khurai Bazar, and Pureiromba Keithel stayed closed. Traffic was generally light on the streets, with passenger services being suspended for the day, according to reports.

Human chains amid boycott
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 16: Responding to the call of the 32 organizations spearheading the mass movement for complete revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from Manipur, thousands of people yesterday came out in the streets defying restriction imposed under 144 Cr PC to form human chains in different parts of the State.

Many protestors were also injured when police resorted to firing tear gas shells and rubber bullets to disperse the protestors.

At Nambol, thousands of people formed a human chain from 11 am to 4 pm yesterday.

The protestors also strongly condemned the excesses of police action that led to the death of a woman, K Memita who succumbed to her injuries on August 13.

Nambol Area Joint Action Committee which organized the human chain agitation in the area also strongly condemned the State security forces for their excesses on the protestors and also prayed to God for giving peace to the departed soul.

Around one thousand people from different parts of Yairipok also formed a human chain along Ngariyan Road braving the sun and rain yesterday from 10 am to 4 pm.

They also shouted slogans denouncing the excesses of the security personnel and demanding complete withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the whole of Manipur.

Residents of Sekmaijin, Hiyanglam, Terapishak, Keirak, Lamjao, Tejpur, Laimanai, Langmeidong, Thounaojam, Yangdong, Elangkhangpokpi, Thongjao and Waikhong also came out in large number to form human chains along the State Highways yesterday from 1 pm to 4.30 pm.

Kha Kangleipak Kanba Meira Paibi Lup, Chairel Mangjil also organized a human chain in the area at around 3 pm and later the protestors took out a mass rally.

Committee on the Democratic People's Movement for Removal of Black Laws from Manipur, Wangoo also mobilized the people for a human chain demonstration in the area yesterday and the protestors later took out a torch rally at night.

Meira Paibis Welfare Assn Kangleipak yesterday mobilized the people living along both sides of Maklang Road and formed a 2 km long human chain from 3 pm to 5 pm and shout slogans demanding complete revocation of AFSPA from Manipur.

At Langdum Lamkhai along Imphal-Yairipok Road, hundreds of local meira paibis stood on their side of the road to form a human chain and staged dharna from 10 am to 5 pm.

The women agitationists later took out a torch rally at night.

North East Imphal People's Committee, Lamlai had also organized a human chain agitation extending from Chinga Tejpur to Yaingangpokpi along Imphal-Ukhrul Road yesterday.

Similar human chain protests were also demonstrated Mantripukhri, Koirengei, Salam, Kiyam, Luker, Haorang Keiren, Tharoijam and Khumbong yesterday.

Meanwhile, All Manipur Muslim Women's Development Organization, Porompat and Naharol Lamyan Club, Uchekon have also announced their unflinching support to any course of action adopted by the 32 organizations spearheading the present agitation.

Protest against AFSPA takes tragic turn, youth burns self to death
MSF advisor passes away after setting self on fire
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 16: Pebam Chittaranjan Mangang, a thirty two year old Bishnupur Dist MSF advisor who set himself ablaze at Bishnupur Bazar yesterday, demanding the complete revocation of the AFSPA from the State succumbed to his injuries at RIMS hospital this evening at around 3.15.

According to reports, Chittaranjan took the extreme step of self immolation to denounce the rampant human rights violation committed by security personnel and the partial lifting of Disturbed Area Act from the State.

Chittaranjan is reported to have sustained 80% burn injuries.

Pebam Chittaranjan s/o P Subol Mangang of Sega Road, Takhel Leikai was residing at Bishnupur Thiyam Leikai at the time of his death.

Reports further informed that Chittaranjan had also issued a "suicide note" denouncing the series of killing and other forms of human rights violation committed by security personnel under the shadow of AFSPA before dousing himself with kerosene and committing self immolation at Bishnupur Bazar at around 10 am yesterday.

With flames engulfing his entire body, he ran towards the office of DC Bishnupur but was caught by some locals and police personnel who quickly intervened and doused the fire.

The victim was immediately rushed to Bishnupur Dist Hospital and given first aid treatment.

He was later shifted to RIMS hospital as the burn injuries were critical.

Before he was wheeled into the casualty ward of RIMS, Chittaranjan shouted "The security personnel killed innocent people, raped our sisters and I also have become a victim of AFSPA".

Minutes after the incident, District Magistrate Bishnupur clamped indefinite curfew at Bishnupur Bazar to pre-empt any further unwanted incident.

Post mortem on Chittaranjan's body could not be conducted today as the victim's family members failed to turn up.

The victim's body is still lying at RIMS morgue.

Mention may be made here that this is the second self immolation bid after five leaders of Manipur Forward Youth Front (MAFYF) attempted the same in front of the Chief Minister's bungalow a few weeks ago.

Meanwhile, the indefinite curfew still continued at Bishnupur bazar area today as tension remained high following the self immolation of Chittaranjan yesterday.

Normal live was paralyzed with shops downing shutters and vehicles staying off the road.

Police had to also resort to firing rubber bullets and tear gas shells to disperse a group of protestors who were trying to set up road blocks at Bishnupur Bazar area at 9.30 am.

In another incident, one Laishram Bisheshor (21) s/o (L) Yaima of Mantripukhri Lamlongei sustained live bullet injury at his left thigh during a stand off with security personnel at Mantripukhri yesterday.

Bisheshor who is under going treatment at RIMS hospital, Lamphel said even after the police quelled a human chain demonstration by lobbing tear gas shells and firing rubber bullets, he was dragged out from a house and shot on the thigh after severely torturing him.

Chittaranjan signs off with a call for united struggle: Some people are known to sign off with a message for the people to follow and Chittaranjan, who burnt himself to death to demand the revocation of all black laws from the North East region, did sign off with a message to the people to think over.

Among the last few slogans that the late youth raised in his suicide note to his family members and friends were the words, "Remove all black laws from North East," "Unity is our strength, struggle unitedly, not separately," "Punish the culprit in Pastor Jamkholet Khongsai and Miss Th Manorama case, " and "For my final decision of selfless sacrifice, the responsibility should be Manipur Government and Government of India respectively”.

More importantly, the late youth also observed in the last words of his suicide note, "without struggle, nothing can be achieved".

Dated August 14, 2004, the suicide note is a clear indication of what the youth had in mind when he set himself on fire.

The suicide note dwelt at length on the rampant human rights violations committed by the security personnel ever since the whole of Manipur came under the AFSPA in 1980 and noted that the growing number of human rights organizations was enough testimony of the growing menace of the excesses and atrocities committed by the men in uniform.

The Manipur Human Rights Commission, which was set up following huge public pressure is today a defunct entity, noted Chittaranjan.

That Pastor Jamkholet and Manorama were killed after intense torture and in custody is an irrefutable fact, said the suicide note and added that the time has come for the people to teach the political class a lesson as they have always deemed it fitter to serve their Delhi bosses rather than look after the welfare of the people.

Chittaranjan left the message that it was far better to die by raising the voice of freedom rather than to continue living under such black laws and said that he would serve as the beacon for the others to follow.

The late youth also asked his family members, particularly his parents to forgive him for taking such a step without informing them and added that if there is such a thing as reincarnation, then he would surely come back to finish his duty as a son.

The suicide note also bade farewell to all his friends and associates.

Turmoil in Manipur again

Rahul Karmakar
Imphal, August 17

The APUNBA Lup, the coordinating body of 32 agitating organisations, called for a general strike from Tuesday and set a new deadline for all the state MLAs to resign. The move came after Pebam Chittaranjan Singh (32), who set himself on fire on Sunday morning, died at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences here, throwing the state into turmoil once again after a semblance of normalcy.

Talking to reporters late on Monday night, the agitators also decided to carry out a procession with Chittaranjan's body after it is handed over to his family members on Tuesday morning.

Chittaranjan had sustained 85 per cent burns after immolating himself in Bishenpur district in protest against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

The police lost no time in 'taking care of Chittaranjan's body', but the crowd outside the medical college swelled. The situation turned grim as reports of another death trickled in from Lamlai in Imphal East district-that of 24-year-old K Memeta Devi, who succumbed to her injuries she sustained during a stampede last week.

In a bid to pre-empt a volatile situation, Imphal east and west district authorities followed suit by enforcing curfew hours after his death.

In New Delhi, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) met on Monday evening to take stock of the situation. As Manipur is expected to come up in Parliament, the CCPA reportedly decided to tune its next move in line with the political consensus that emerges during the discussions.

"Manipur isn't a party issue. That's why we are for a collective (national) approach to the crisis," a CCPA member told the Hindustan Times after the meeting. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, was attended among others by National Security Advisor J N Dixit and Army Chief N C Vij. The latter underscored the need for continued enforcement of the Act.

PTI                                                                            PRINT   EMAIL

LD MANIPUR

IMPHAL, AUG 19 (PTI)

Angry over forcible cremation of of the body of a student leader, Manipur agitators burnt a bridge, damaged an important road, torched vehicle tyres and blocked roads since last night while indefinite curfew was reimposed in parts of Bishenpur district in the state.

The student leader Pebam Chitaranjan self immolated on Sunday demanding complete withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Power Act from the state. Dismissing the agitators' demand to take the body in a procession, the authorities cremated it last night.

The Government action triggerred widespread violence as hundreds of agitators set afire a major portion of the important Lamlong bridge on the Imphal river hours after the cremation of the body of Chitaranjan at 9.40 pm yesterday.

This morning they turned out in large numbers and destroyed several parts of four km long Imphal-airport road burnt vehicle tyres, blocked the road and raised anti- government slogans.

Chitaranjan hailed from Takhel Leikai area on Imphal- airport road which witnessed public-police clashes.

Official reports said indefinite curfew was clamped today at Bishenpur market complex where Chitaranjan had self immolated on Sunday.

Reports said the indefinite curfew was relaxed as in previous days for 15 hours from 4 am in Imphal East and Imphal West, Thoubal and Bishenpur districts except Bishenpur market.

Official reports said all markets, shops and business establishments in Imphal and greater Imphal areas were closed and most of the vehicles remained off the roads in view of the prevailing tension.

Police later rounded up about 40 persons from Kwakeithel and nearby Takhel Leikai area and made them sweep or clean the road filled with pieces of glasses, stones, woods and other blockade materials, sources said.

Sources said para-military forces including Rapid Action Force and police were deployed heavily at all strategic and vulnerable points including Wangkhei, Palace Gate, Sanjenthong, Khwairamband market complex, Babupara and Keisampat area.

Meanwhile, sources in the 32 organisations spearheading the current stir told PTI that the indefinite bandh which had been called three days ago would continue till further announcement.

They said their future course of action would be announced in the next few days.

Violence flares in Manipur, four injured

Press Trust of India
Imphal, August 19

Four persons, including a 12-year-old boy, were injured in police action and an office was set afire by protestors in Manipur on Thursday as violence spread in the state after the cremation of the body of student leader Pebam Chitaranjan by the Government.

The police burst tear gas shells, fired rubber bullets and used smoke gun at Sagolband, Kwakeithel, Takhel Leikai, Heingang, Kongba and Singjamei areas to control agitators who were protesting the cremation of the body, official sources said.

Four persons identified as Pebam Tomba (52), W Herojit (50), N Rahul (12) and K Birjit (20) were injured in the police action and taken to nearby hospitals, the sources said.

Tomba was the uncle of Chitaranjan, who had set himself ablaze on Sunday last to press for the removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur.

The Government cremated the body last night after dismissing the demand of the agitators to take out a procession with the body.

Official sources said the agitators also set afire an office of Integrated Child Development Project (ICDP) at Porompat area, near here, at 5 pm.

Parts of the building and some office equipment were destroyed in the fire.

The protestors had damaged Imphal-airport road, burnt vehicle tyres, erected road blockades and raised anti-Government slogans this morning to protest the Government decision to cremate the body.

Hours after the cremation of the body on Wednesday night, agitators had set afire a portion of Lamlong bridge on the Imphal river.

Meanwhile, normal life continued to be affected due to the ongoing 'indefinite' bandh in the state.

Fresh protests have erupted in India's north-eastern state of Manipur after the body of a demonstrator was cremated against his family's wishes.

Pebam Chittaranjan died after setting himself on fire in protest at the state's refusal to lift a sweeping federal anti-terror law.

His family wanted to carry his body in a procession but authorities refused and cremated it instead.

The incident comes amid a crackdown on anti-terror law protesters.

The protests first started after a woman, whom the military says was thought to be helping separatists, was allegedly raped and killed by Assam Rifles paramilitaries in mid-July.

Bridge burned

The protests were directed at the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, which gives security forces wide-ranging powers to arrest and detain people.

Mr Chittaranjan set himself alight last week in protest at the act.

He left a note saying India's federal government was insensitive to the people of Manipur.

His family wanted to take his body in procession to the site of his immolation but authorities refused.

They asked the family to cremate the body, but when the family refused to accept it, they went ahead with a cremation.

Widespread violence followed with activists burning part of the Lamlong bridge in the state capital, Imphal, on Wednesday night.

On Thursday, a large number of protesters damaged parts of the road to Imphal airport.

They burned tyres and blocked many other roads in Imphal and other parts of the state.

Officials said an indefinite curfew had been imposed in Bishenpur, where Mr Chittaranjan set himself on fire last week.

Authorities have deployed paramilitary troops and riot police in large numbers at several places in Imphal and its surrounding districts.

Bullet-riddled

Since Wednesday night, police have arrested at least 30 people leading the protests.

Manipur officials said those arrested would be charged with incitement to violence.

The BBC's Subir Bhaumik in Calcutta says eight of those arrested were women who had stripped in front of the Assam Rifles barracks in Imphal, to protest against the rape and killing of Thangjam Manorama, 32.

Manorama's family say soldiers took her from her home on 11 July.

A few hours later her mutilated and bullet-riddled body was found by a roadside.

On Thursday, soldiers of the Assam Rifles who are accused of raping and killing her refused to appear before a judicial commission investigating the incident.

The paramilitary force has questioned the commission's authority to summon its soldiers.

Protesters say the military is misusing the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

The armed forces say they need it to help fight separatists in the state.

Protest leaders say their movement will continue unless the law is lifted from the whole of the state.

Protest continues unabated
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 19: Protests for complete removal of AFSPA from the State continued unabated in different parts of the city today with protesters indulging pitched battles with security forces.

At Kongba, Uchekon Bazar and Nandeibam Leikai, protesters blocked the road by burning tyres and putting jogs and other material in the middle of the road.

However the protesters were dispersed by State police personnel who came at around 9 am and resorted to firing rubber bullets and tear gas shell.

Meira paibis also blocked the Imphal-Yairipok road by hanging Phanek in the middle of the road and also engaged in a pitched battle with police personnel who had come to disperse the mob.

Security personnel aga,in resorted to firing tear gas shells and rubber bullets while the protesters retaliated with catapults and stones.

Meanwhile at Wangkhei Konsam Leikai protester burnt the effigy of Chief Minister Olbobi.

Banner reading "Down with colonial rule", "remove AFSPA" etc were also put up at Wangkheimayum Leirak.

Protesters of Kyamgei and Langthabal also set up road block on the Imphal-Moreh road near Kyamgei by cutting down trees on the road side.

At Singjamei Bazar, local of the area came out in large number and block the road with stones and logs thus preventing vehicular movement in the area.

However, security forces arrived at around 11 am and dispersed the agitators by firing rubber bullet and tear gas shell.

Meira paibis of Yairipok area today set up road block at Yairipok Azad Hr Secondary School Lamkhai as a mark of protest against the imprisonment of one Ibetombi Devi at Sajiwa jail by Yairipok police yesterday.

Mention may be made here that Ibetombi was arrested by Yairipok police while staging a sit in protest at Yairipok yesterday.

Meanwhile students numbering about 700/800 carried out a rally from Andro to Yairipok this morning at around 11 demanding for complete removal of AFSPA from the State.

The rallyists were however dispersed by security personnel who resorted to firing tear gas shells and rubber bullets near the Poirou Khongjin Lamkhai.

The rally was organized by DESAM local council Andro

Falling away

Samrat Choudhury
August 19

Manipur’s rage and anguish seem to have come as a surprise to most people in the rest of India . Yet, if there is any surprise in all this, it’s that the place didn’t blow up earlier. The attitude that has marked India’s engagement with its North-east for the past 57 years can be paraphrased in one sentence: who gives a damn?

It’s only natural. Apart from Assam, all these tiny states have one or two seats in the Lok Sabha. Economically, they are underdeveloped. Since governments and news revolve around money and power, apathy is an inescapable outcome.

For anyone from the region, this attitude is very difficult to miss. The youth face unemployment and violence. The ones that come out to ‘mainland India’ find ignorance and prejudice. In the end, the feeling is the same: a sense of alienation. When things go out of hand, Indian society and its politicians and bureaucrats react with fury, wondering how a few ‘tribals’ who depend on the Centre for their survival can act against the hand that feeds them.

Manipur has been on the boil since late February. Public protests against extra-judicial killings have been on since then. No one took note of events there until that act of pained desperation by the naked women who went to the Assam Rifles headquarters on July 15. That made news only because it was novel. Now, the growing popular revolt against India will not make news until something truly ghastly happens.

On August 14, a group that claims 300,000 members declared independence from India. Manipur’s population is about 2.4 million. Even if 300,000 people declare independence, it’s a significant percentage. The actual arithmetic is far worse. The Meitei community, which is at the centre of these protests, number around 1.4 million. Imagine the furore if 20 per cent of Punjab’s or Tamil Nadu’s population were to declare independence.

Yet, no senior government functionary has publicly said anything to douse the flames. The home minister has not gone there. A few statements about the need to keep the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in force are about the only word from the cabinet. There is talk of President’s Rule.

The background causes of conflict in the North-east remain. So the breakdown of a  militant movement won’t result in peace. It will result in the emergence, initially, of splinter groups likely to be criminal in nature. Given the capabilities of the local police and the ‘efficiency’ of the Indian justice system, social unrest is likely to increase. Another ideology or insurgency replacing the one that falls is then probably a matter of time. And corrupt local elites that depend on patronage from the Centre can’t be expected to check this any more than President’s Rule.  

e-pao

Agitators go on rampage along Tiddim line
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 19: Pouring out angst at the cremation of Pebam Chitaranjan Mangang's body at the Minu-thong public crematorium general strike supporters went on an early morning rampage along Tiddim Line scattering debris to halt advance of security vehicles before engaging the security personnel in a pitched battle.

The protestors even attempted to set ablaze plastic chairs set up at Keishampat traffic point and occupied most of the time by the Imphal West SP and 1st Manipur Rifles Commandant during agitation breather.

Timely arrival of security reinforcement who fired tear gas shells prevented the agitators from carrying out their violent protest.

Protest broke out along Tiddim Line when news broke out about the cremation of Chittaranjan's body late last night and soon after daybreak protestors dismantled road divider (meridian) and scattered the bricks and boulders from near Hodam Leirak approach road till Kwakeithel bazar besides blocking the road with big logs.

Glasses were also broken on major stretch of the road and tyres set ablaze to prevent plying of vehicles that tried to defy the indefinite general strike called from August 16 evening.

Iron net fencing put up at the meridian were also uprooted and the huge hoarding at Kwakeithel Bazar inscribed 'Welcome to Imphal' was also pulled down to block one half of the road.

Eye witnesses informed that several numbers of protestors went on the rampage in between 6.30 to 7 am to express their opposition to forced disposal of Chittaranjan's body.

With the infuriated protestors showing no sign of retreating even after the security force comprising of police commandos and IRB personnel had reached Hodam Leikai entrance the cops released volley of rubber bullets, tear gas shells and mockery bombs to pass through the troubled zone with residents closest to the road having to bear the brunt of mob dispersal action/materials.

The police commandos also rounded up 20/30 youths suspected to be involved in the riot and made them clear the debris laying from Hodam Leirak till Kwakeithel Bazar.

A JCB (excavator) was pressed into service to clear the debris.

Local residents who came out to witness the scenario were also asked to sweep the glass splinters scattered by the agitators.

During the police crack down on protestors an elderly person identified as Pebam Tomba (62) of Takhellambam Leikai who was standing at his courtyard suffered rubber bullet injuries at both legs.

He has been admitted to RIMS Hospital.

Another two persons identified as Wahengbam Herojit Singh (50) of Ahallup and Ningthoujam Rahul Singh (12) of Sagolband Thingom Leikai have also been admitted at RIMS Hospital, informed Helpline Unit RIMS.

Press sources also informed that suspected general strike supporters spilled oil and scattered boulders at Khurai Lamlong Bridge yesterday night.

e-pao

NSA slapped on 19 detenues
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 19: Determined to keep the ongoing agitation against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 under control, the State Government has detained as many as 19 agitators under the National Security Act (NSA).

With over 60 persons rounded up during the police crackdown since August 15, including 17 from the office premise of United Committee Manipur yesterday, the Government is also intensely mulling over declaring the 32 bodies spearheading the ongoing agitation as unlawful organizations.

All the arrested persons, also comprising of nine women, were produced before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate today who later remanded them to judicial custody till September 2.

Those arrested from the UCM office premises have been booked under u/s 121, 121-A, 124-A of the Indian Penal Code and 7 Cril Law Amendment Act by the police with two others arrested from their Khongman zone-III on August 17 also reprimanded on similar charges.

The two arrested by a team of Imphal East district police are identified as S Sanjit and S Basanta.

The nine detained women belong to All Manipur Social Reformation and Development Samaj, All Manipur Tamee-Chingmee Apunba Lup and UCM, according to case dossiers prepared by the police.

Police also charged the 17 detainees as leaders of organization having nexus with underground outfits and holding meetings with various local clubs and organizations intent on inciting the general public to protest, according to the case dossiers prepared by the police.

Meanwhile, two office bearers of Chanura Lamchinglen Kangleipak described as leaders of Apunba Lup's Working Committee have been remanded to judicial custody till September two by the Chief Judicial magistrate Imphal today.

The two are Huirem Leimatombi Devi (32) d/o (L) H Inao of Sekmaijin and Thoudam Tampakleima Chanu alias Ibema (32) d/o Th Ibosana Meitei of Wangoi Thoudam Leikai.

The duo arrested yesterday, have been charged of inciting agitation during the civil disobedience movement as leaders of the 32 organizations.

Though the CJM Court had released them on PR bond of Rs 5000 and same surety amount, both declined to furnish the necessary bond and hence had to be remanded to judicial custody.

In the meantime, taking serious note of the development (arrest), secretary general of UCM Khoirom Gourashyam countered that there is no reason why the Government employees, who took mass casual leave in solidarity to the ongoing movement, should also not face similar charges as levelled against the arrested public leaders.

The Government action of singling out only some persons and detaining them under NSA is highly condemnable as the agitation is a mass upheaval participated by various eminent personalities besides school children, asserted the UCM leader.

Such discriminatory attitude vividly reflects the Government attempt to dissuade people from pursuing complete scrapping of repressive acts from the entire Manipur and would only aggravate the situation as the masses rose up in unison to secure a better life without having to live everyday under the shadow of security force's cruelty.

Outrightly rejecting the police claim of the arrested persons having nexus with underground outfits, Gourashyam said the agendas of the meetings were held to discuss on continuation of the current agitation in democratic manners till AFSPA is uprooted from Manipur.

Keralanext

India News: Angry Manipur devises ingenious ways of protest
 20-August-2004

Imphal , India : From naked protests by women to putting anti-government placards around dogs' necks, people in India 's restive Manipur have come up with ingenious ways to vent their anger and demand the withdrawal of an anti-terror law.

When trouble first broke out on July 11 after the death of 32-year-old Thangjam Manorama in military custody, people took out a silent procession across the state.

But soon the protests became strident with demands for punishing the guilty soldiers involved in the killing of Manorama taking an ugly turn.

Hundreds of people stormed the paramilitary Assam Rifles headquarters in Manipur's capital Imphal a couple of days later with up to a dozen women disrobing themselves in full public view.

The naked women were holding placards that read: "Indian Army rape us" and "Indian Army take our flesh". And then began a series of protests and demonstrations with women taking the lead.

With flaming torches in hand, women in large numbers took to the streets and virtually clashed with riot police as a show of protest to demand the withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act that gives sweeping powers to the military to shoot and sight and arrest anybody without a warrant.

To grab attention, the agitators came up with a slew of eye-catching protests -- some people took their pet dogs with placards demanding withdrawal of the act, while others burnt tyres on the streets for visual impact.

And trying to sustain the movement, the agitating leaders had called for the boycott of Indian-made goods like soft drinks and bottled water, besides students burning their books, mostly Hindi language textbooks, as a show of protest.

The agitation reached a climax on Independence Day on Aug 15 when a 32-year-old youth soaked his body with petrol and attempted to immolate himself in full public view with TV cameras and photographers stationed in the area beforehand.

This was the most ghastly sight with the youth resembling a ball of fire before dropping on the ground -- he died two days later with more than 85 percent burn injuries.

"People in Manipur are known for their dogged attitude. If they fight for any cause they would like to see their demands are met and not just fizzle out midway," said Jagat Thoudam, a civil rights campaigner.

And more than a month after the protests began, there are no signs yet of any let up in the agitation. "You just wait and watch. We are coming up with few more different tactics to keep alive this movement until and unless we get the desired results," said another rights activist Ibomcha Singh.

Indian police fire tear gas on terror law protesters

20 Aug 2004 08:03:42 GMT

GUWAHATI, India, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Riot police fired tear gas to disperse violent mobs that tried to burn bridges, government buildings and vehicles in India's northeast on Friday to protest against a controversial anti-terror law.

Strife-torn Manipur state, whose name means land of jewels, has been on the boil for more than a month over the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, which gives troops the right to arrest and shoot at suspected rebels.

"More violence is expected now because people are determined to force the government to lift the Armed Forces Special Powers Act," said Ibomcha Singh, a senior lawmaker, by phone from the state capital, Imphal.

Local residents said heavily armed troops patrolled Imphal's deserted streets as most offices, schools and markets remained shut. Authorities have imposed a night curfew on several towns in the remote state that borders Myanmar.

In a massive crackdown on anti-government protesters, police have arrested around two dozen leaders, including several women, since late Thursday.

In protest against the arrests, the Apunba Lup, an umbrella organisation of 32 groups spearheading the campaign for withdrawal of the anti-terror law, has turned down an offer for talks with federal interior minister Shivraj Patil.

"More arrests are in the offing. We want them (leaders) to be in jail so that they can't instigate the people," said a senior police officer in Imphal.

Patil told reporters in New Delhi the government was open to talks, but was "not really" considering imposing federal rule in the state.

"If the situation does not improve or becomes more difficult, appropriate action in this respect can be taken by the government of India," Patil said.

"We don't want to do anything in anger."

People in Manipur took to the streets more than a month ago after a 30-year-old woman was killed by troops who suspected her of involvement in a revolt that has plagued the state for decades.

The state government of Manipur lifted the law partially by scrapping it in Imphal and some surrounding areas last week but the move failed to stop protests.

Fresh trouble was sparked by the deaths of a man and woman on Monday from injuries suffered in protests against the anti-terror law.

One of the two, Pabam Chittaranjan, a 32-year-old student leader, died of burns suffered when he set himself on fire in a deserted market on Sunday.

"It is better to self-immolate than to die at the hands of the security forces under the act," Chittaranjan said in a note before his immolation attempt. "With this conviction, I am marching ahead of the people as a human torch."

Chittaranjan's family refused to take the dead body following the government's refusal to allow them to hold a public funeral. Finally, police cremated the body.

Mass protest rallies held at many places
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 20: A mass protest rally demanding complete revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur and punishment of AR personnel involved in the killing of Thangjam Manorama and Pastor Jamkholet Khongsai was taken out in and around Mekola Bazar today.

Around 500 people took part in the rally organized by Lairenjam Nupi Yaipha Marup.

All Uchiwa Development Assn in association with Hungul to Uchiwa United Clubs' Organization, MSF Uchiwa Branch and other local clubs/Organizations and local Meira Paibis also organized a mass protest rally at Uchiwa area today denouncing excesses of the security forces and demanding lifting of AFSPA from Manipur immediately.

Later a public meeting was held where the people resolved to intensify the ongoing agitation and observed two minutes silence as mark of respect to Pebam Chittaranjan and K Memita who made supreme sacrifice for the public cause.

Local people of Kodompokpi Mamang Leikai also took out a torch rally last night demanding removal of AFSPA from Manipur.

A public meeting was also held wherein the gathering resolved to extend unflinching support to any future course of action of the 32 Organizations spearheading the ongoing mass movement for revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur.

The gathering also paid rich floral tributes to all those who have sacrificed their lives and suffered injuries during the course of the ongoing agitation.

Residents of Kodompokpi Mayai Leikai also took out a similar torch rally last night demanding complete removal of AFSPA from Manipur, punishment of killers of Manorama and against disposal of Chittaranjan's body by the Govt without the consent of the bereaved family and the Apunba Lup.

The protestors also decided to impose a Kodompokpi Mayai Lambi bandh tomorrow to intensify the ongoing agitation.

Govt lambasted: All Manipur (Plain and Hill) Development Organization (AMDO) has lambasted the State Government for allegedly trying to sideline the real issue of public demand for removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur by launching a crackdown on the public leaders ' spearheading the ongoing movement.

It seems that the present Government does not know how the insurgency movement in Manipur has come about and the birth of the 32 Organizations spearheading the movement for withdrawal of AFSPA from Manipur.

It is all because of lack of sincerity and faulty policy of the successive Governments, AMDO general secretary Raj en Akoijam said in a statement.

It is really unfortunate that the Ministers and the MLAs in the Government have taken the people, who have elevated them to their present positions, for a ride, he lamented.

Coining out strongly against the crackdown on the public leaders spearheading the movement, AMDO general secretary asserted that such strong stand of the Govt should have been directed not on its people but on the Centre so that the demand of the people who are crying for their democratic rights could be fulfilled and restored normalcy in the State.

AMDO also strongly condemned the repressive action taken up by the Government in banning news broadcast on local TV network ISTV and disposing the body of Pebam Chittaranjan, who committed self immolation for the public cause, without the approval of the bereaved family and against the wishes of the people.

Social Young Club, Kakwa Leiphakpam Leikai has also condemned the State Govt for using force against the people demanding their democratic rights.

It categorically warned that arresting public leaders and detaining them under National Security Act would not served the purpose and able to dissuade the public from raising their voices against the atrocities of the security forces and mis-governance of the Govt.

Manipur strike called off, protests to continue

Indo-Asian News Service
Imphal, August 21

Organisations in the restive Manipur on Saturday called off their month-long shutdown to press the demand for the withdrawal of a controversial anti-terror law.

"For the greater interest of the people of Manipur, we have called off our indefinite strike though that does not mean we have given up our demand for repealing the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act," Jadumoni Sapam, a spokesman for the organisations, said.

The Apunba Lup, a conglomeration of 32 organisations, has been spearheading the campaign for withdrawal of the act that has rocked Manipur since July 11 after 32-year-old Thangjam Manorama Devi was allegedly killed in military custody.

The organisations, however, decided to continue protests to build up pressure on the Government to repeal the act that gives sweeping powers to the army and paramilitary forces to shoot on sight and arrest anybody without a warrant.

"We have chalked out three broad strategies to keep alive our protests. We have asked people to come out on the streets every morning at 9 am and shout slogans, besides holding rallies and protest marches from time to time," Sapam said.

"The boycott of Indian-made goods will continue till such time as the act is withdrawn in its totality from Manipur."

The Manipur Government this month decided to withdraw the act from parts of capital Imphal and two other districts, a move that has failed to pacify public anger.

The state has witnessed violent street protests since July 11 with curfew imposed almost daily since then. Riot police have fired rubber bullets and used teargas shells and smoke guns to disperse angry mobs that have come out to protest defying the prohibitory orders.

The protests climaxed on India's Independence Day August 15, when a 32-year-old man attempted immolation in Imphal. The youth, Pebam Chittranjan, later died in a hospital of severe burn injuries.

Authorities earlier this week cremated his body following mounting tension.

"We organised a second funeral on Saturday to complete the last rites of the boy who died for the cause," Sapam said.

More than 2,000 people on Saturday gathered at Takhel Leykey village on the outskirts of Imphal for the symbolic funeral in which Chittranjan's clothes and other belongings were put on the pyre.

The decision to call off the strike has come as a relief to many people in Manipur.

"The last month was like hell with the police after us all the time. Now we can breathe easy though we don't want to compromise on our demand," Tokeshar Singh, a businessman in Imphal, said.

DC warns against vandalism
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 20: Imphal East Deputy Commissioner while stating that blocking of roads with boulders, pipes and wooden beams as well as burning of tyres and scattering broken glasses, nails, etc, to disrupt movement of people are unlawful acts and punishable under the law, has appealed to all the people in the district not to resort to such activities during the course of their agitation.

Further, the official asked the people not to setting Government offices and other public properties on fire adding that by doing so the public themselves are at the receiving end.

These acts of arson would only hamper developmental process besides creating law and order problem.

The State Government is trying its level best to safeguard the lives of the people and protect public properties, the official said and appealed to the people to extend their co-operation with the district administration in restoring peace and order in the society.

Curfew relaxation: As per an order issued by District Magistrate Imphal West, the prohibitory order which had been clamped in the Greater Imphal Areas of Imphal West Dist since July 15 have been relaxed from 4 am to 8 pm from August 21.

The prohibitory order will still be in effect in the above mention areas after 8 pm daily.

It also informed that restriction on assembly of five or more persons, carrying of sticks, firearms, stones and other lethal weapons in the areas under Imphal West Dist will remain in effect during the relaxation period.

Pitched battles with police continue unabated
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 20: Around three civilians and a police personnel reportedly suffered injuries during skirmishes when security personnel fired several rounds of rubber bullets and tear gas shells to disperse agitators along the National Highway 39 in between Khonghampat and Sekmai area today.

The first scuffle broke out at Khonghampat when security reinforcement led by Imphal West district Commando OC N Lokhon rushed to contain a confrontation between rallyists and a team of Sekmai police station personnel.

The agitators consisting of youth and women from Khonghampat and nearby areas were attempting to take out a rally at around 8 am demanding withdrawal of AFSPA, punishment of security personnel involved in the killing of pastor Jamkholet Khongsai and Th Manorama Devi and shifting of Assam Rifles from Kangla.

When security personnel tried to foil the rally firing tear gas and rubber bullets, the rallyists, especially the youths, retaliated with stones and catapult shots besides blocking the highway by lighting fire on the road.

Besides catapult shot injury reportedly suffered by a Sekmai police personnel a young boy also received tear gas wound at the leg when the victim was at the courtyard.

The police also arrested 2/3 youths, said sources.

The second incident occurred at Tendongyang near Sekmai where some youths had set fire on the road to choke traffic flow along the highway as part of the ongoing general strike at around 10 am.

On seeing the arrival of security personnel the agitationist fled resulting in the security personnel giving a hot chase firing several rounds of tear gas many of which landed at residential areas.

One tear shell fell and burst at the courtyard of one Soibam Binanta at Tendongyang Makha Leikai resulting in one year old son (Yaiphaba) of Binanta, who was sleeping at the verandah, losing consciousness.

A thirteen year old brother of the infant Nanao sustained leg injuries due to the tear gas shell explosion.

One Khundongbam Herojit (12), who was with Nanao at that time, got his hair burnt besides losing the tip of his right middle finger.

The security personnel also took away one Angomjambam Ranjan (13) of Tendongyang Awang Leikai, who came on a bicycle along with a friend, on charges of being one of the agitators.

The friend left behind his bicycle and managed to flee from the scene.

Ranjan was taken away with the two bicycles.

One 37 year old Thingbaijam Loken of Tendongyang Makha Leikai also suffered face, hand and leg injuries when he handled a live tear gas shell likely to have been dropped by the police during the crackdown.

He has been admitted to RIMS Hospital.

After the police left the Tendongyang villagers again came out and blocked the road.

Press sources also informed that personnel of 19 Rashtriya Rifles in civies detained some youths at Lamshang Akham Leikai when they were blocking the road felling trees and burning tyres.

While one Jiten{28) was beaten up by the security personnel and suffered mild injury the detained youths were made to clear the debris, added the source.

Meanwhile, a team of Irilbung police station personnel led by the OC ran amok at Bamon Kampu areas today morning, alleged People's Action Committee Against brutal Custodial Killing of Th Manorama Devi, Bamon Kampu, Imphal East.

The Committee further charged that without any intimidation the police team resorted to indiscriminate firing of tear gas shells and rubber bullets besides releasing live bullets at residential areas.

The security personnel also pulled down and abused placards and banners put up at the entrance gate of Manorama's residence, contended the release adding electric bulbs and wires along the Imphal-Yairipok road street were also destroyed while fear psychosis was created by using loudspeakers.

Stating that such attitude of the police personnel have no place in a democratic society the Committee also strongly condemned the police action.

Mass protest rallies held at many places
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 20: A mass protest rally demanding complete revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur and punishment of AR personnel involved in the killing of Thangjam Manorama and Pastor Jamkholet Khongsai was taken out in and around Mekola Bazar today.

Around 500 people took part in the rally organized by Lairenjam Nupi Yaipha Marup.

All Uchiwa Development Assn in association with Hungul to Uchiwa United Clubs' Organization, MSF Uchiwa Branch and other local clubs/Organizations and local Meira Paibis also organized a mass protest rally at Uchiwa area today denouncing excesses of the security forces and demanding lifting of AFSPA from Manipur immediately.

Later a public meeting was held where the people resolved to intensify the ongoing agitation and observed two minutes silence as mark of respect to Pebam Chittaranjan and K Memita who made supreme sacrifice for the public cause.

Local people of Kodompokpi Mamang Leikai also took out a torch rally last night demanding removal of AFSPA from Manipur.

A public meeting was also held wherein the gathering resolved to extend unflinching support to any future course of action of the 32 Organizations spearheading the ongoing mass movement for revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur.

The gathering also paid rich floral tributes to all those who have sacrificed their lives and suffered injuries during the course of the ongoing agitation.

Residents of Kodompokpi Mayai Leikai also took out a similar torch rally last night demanding complete removal of AFSPA from Manipur, punishment of killers of Manorama and against disposal of Chittaranjan's body by the Govt without the consent of the bereaved family and the Apunba Lup.

The protestors also decided to impose a Kodompokpi Mayai Lambi bandh tomorrow to intensify the ongoing agitation.

Govt lambasted: All Manipur (Plain and Hill) Development Organization (AMDO) has lambasted the State Government for allegedly trying to sideline the real issue of public demand for removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur by launching a crackdown on the public leaders ' spearheading the ongoing movement.

It seems that the present Government does not know how the insurgency movement in Manipur has come about and the birth of the 32 Organizations spearheading the movement for withdrawal of AFSPA from Manipur.

It is all because of lack of sincerity and faulty policy of the successive Governments, AMDO general secretary Raj en Akoijam said in a statement.

It is really unfortunate that the Ministers and the MLAs in the Government have taken the people, who have elevated them to their present positions, for a ride, he lamented.

Coining out strongly against the crackdown on the public leaders spearheading the movement, AMDO general secretary asserted that such strong stand of the Govt should have been directed not on its people but on the Centre so that the demand of the people who are crying for their democratic rights could be fulfilled and restored normalcy in the State.

AMDO also strongly condemned the repressive action taken up by the Government in banning news broadcast on local TV network ISTV and disposing the body of Pebam Chittaranjan, who committed self immolation for the public cause, without the approval of the bereaved family and against the wishes of the people.

Social Young Club, Kakwa Leiphakpam Leikai has also condemned the State Govt for using force against the people demanding their democratic rights.

It categorically warned that arresting public leaders and detaining them under National Security Act would not served the purpose and able to dissuade the public from raising their voices against the atrocities of the security forces and mis-governance of the Govt.

Wabagai unites under protest rally
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 22: Intensifying the ongoing demand for the removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act and punishment of the killers of Thangjam Manorama and Pastor Jamkholet Khongsai, a massive public rally organised by the Apunba Lup was taken out at the Wabagai area today.

The rally which began at around 1 pm came from two directions and finally converged at the Wabagai Higher Secondary School.

The rallyists also shouted slogans like "Remove AFSPA from the State', "Punish the guilty AR personnel'," "Stop army atrocities" etc during the course of the rally.

Meira paibis and youths of Keirak, Lamjao, Wabagai, Tejpur, Langui-dong, Laimanai, Leirak Achouba, Hiyanglam, Sek-maijin and Tera Pishak participated in the rally.

After the rally, a public meeting was held at the Wabagai Higher Secondary with the local meira paibi leaders attending the meeting as the presidium members.

Leaders who spoke on the occasion, mainly stressed on the negative aspects of the dreaded Act and the atrocities that the civilians have had to suffer at the hands of the security personnel.

At the concluding part of the meeting, the agitators set ablaze the effigies of AICC president Sonia Gandhi, Chief Minister O Ibobi and clothes and other goods manufactured outside the North East region of the country as a mark of protest against the State and the Central Govt's refusal to meet the demands of the people.

Members present at the meeting besides demanding the resignation of all the Minister and MLAs also resolved to boycott the Ministers/MLAs with immediate effect.

The members also warned both the State Govt and the Central leaders to lift the dread act from the State immediately failing which the members would be forced to take the help of foreign countries.

A two minute silence was also observed by the public before the public meeting in memory of AFSPA victims.

Wakat Khongchat: Responding to the call of the Working Committee of the Apunba Lup, observation of the month long Wakat Khongchat began at different places in the State with people from all walks of life participating in the new form of protest.

At Ukhongshang, meira paibis of the area staged a protest at the Irabot High School and shouted slogans demanding the immediate removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the State.

They also expressed their unstinted support to the ongoing agitation launched by the Apunba Lup.

As a part of the Wakat Khongchat, meira paibis of Salungpham area also staged a protest at Salungpham Ching Tam High School denouncing the prolonged imposition of AFSPA in the State.

Appealing to the State Govt to lift the dreaded black laws from the State as quickly as possible, the meira paibis also warned of preventing the Govt employees from attending their respective offices if the Govt fails to meet the demands of the people within a short period.

Meira paibis of Ukhongshang and Salungpham also donated a sum of Rs 200 each to the Apunba Lup.

Ibobi smokes the peace pipe
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 23: Acknowledging the demand of the people to revoke the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the entire State of Manipur, Chief Minister O Ibobi today said that though his Govt is aware of the wishes and aspirations of the people, the need for peace to return is of paramount importance and added that peace can come about only when the underground organizations steer away from the path of violence and not indulge in extortions and coercing the public.

In a statement issued to the press today, the Chief Minister said that his Government is fully committed to bringing peace to the State so that normalcy can return and the people can live a life without fear and intimidation.

The Chief Minister Said that his Government fully respects the democratic and peaceful agitation launched by the people, but added that it will not brook any anti-National activities and violence.

Elaborating, the Chief Minister said that burning of the Indian flag, misusing the precinct of educational institutions and polluting the academic atmosphere, torching Govt installations and offices and equipments, talking about referendum, boycotting goods manufactured in India, call for snapping ties with mainland India, closing the offices of airlines and booking counters and stopping others from proceeding outside the State, and raising slogans like Go Back Indian Army etc have the potential to throw the people's movement in the wrong light.

It was to check such activities that the NSA has been slapped on certain individuals, the CM explained.

The Chief Minister also appealed to the students not to go ahead with the text book surrender protest planned from August 25.

On the argument that the AFSPA has not been imposed at Tamil Nadu and Delhi where terrorists killed former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and the Indian Parliament came under attack respectively, the CM said that the Act has not been imposed there because these places have not raised any voice to secede.

Ibobi further said that the ultimatum served on the MLAs to resign within a specific time frame is nothing but a challenge to the verdict of the people.

Such stand will only besmirch the principles of democracy, he noted.

Stressing that the SPF Govt is always willing to listen to any suggestions from the public, the Chief Minister asked all to send in their suggestions, to the e-mail addresses, cmmani@hub.nic.in and cmmani@man.nic.in.

Sit-in-protest staged; bandh, strike called
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 31: A mass sit-in-protest demonstration was held at Nongpok Keithelmanbi Bazar today demanding complete lifting of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur and fitting punishment to AR personnel responsible for the killing of Thangjam Manorama and Saichang village pastor Jamkholet Khongsai.

People including young students belonging to various communities took part in the demonstration held from 9 am to 3 pm.

General strike: In support of the ongoing mass agitation being spearheaded by 32 organisations for withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur, a 12-hour general strike has been called with effect from 5 am of September 1 in areas under the jurisdiction of Brahmapur Mangjil Women’s Welfare Association, Khongman Zone-I-V Meira paibi, Women’s Welfare Association, Kongba Road, Singjamei Bheigyabati Leikai Meira Paibi, Brahmapur Lalji Lakpa Leikai Women’s Association and Brahmapur Social Women Development Organisation, Aribam Leikai.

Bandh called: To protest against the prolonged imposition of AFSPA in the State detention of leaders of various organisation, Nongpok Leingak Nupi Lup Wangkhei has called a general strike on road strech between Kongba Bazar and Sanjengthong on September 2 from 5 am to 6 pm.

Stepping up the ongoing agitation for the removal of AFSPA from the State, several organisations of the Khonghampat and Pheidinga area have imposed a 12 hr bandh on the NH 39 from 5 am to 6 pm tomorrow.

Violators will be sternly dealt, said the bodies.

The organisation which have called the 12 hrs bandh are Khonghampat Mayai Leikai, Pheidinga Development Committee, Khonghampat Young Pioneers Club, Maharabi Young Club.

Students’ agitation: Police personnel had to resort to firing rubber bullets and tear gas shells to disperse a large group of students of Wangoo Sagang High School at Wangoo Sagang this afternoon at around 12.30 pm, said sources.

The students were proceeding towards the residence of Kumbi MLA Mangi for surrendering their text books when the security forces intercepted them at Wangoo Sagang.

Meanwhile, members of the Social Action Committee and Apunba Nupi Chaokhat Lup Borayangbi in a meeting held at Borayangbi community hall today have demanded all the State MLAs in general and Kumbi MLA Ningthoujam Mangi Singh in particular to resign immediately if they cannot scrapped the AFSPA from the State.

In another incident a police team of Moirang PS arrested two school teachers of Moirang today accusing them of being involved in the students agitation in the area.

The two arrested teachers have been identified as Asst teacher Hamom Dilip of Chaobi English School Wangoo Laipham and Naorem Ratan of TM English School Wangoo Ahallup.

Lup demands: Miyamgi Yaipha Nupi Lup, Khongman has demanded release of all the public leaders who have been detained in police custody under NSA for the alleged role in the ongoing agitation for complete removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur.

Union flays: Ideal Girls’ College Students’ Union, Akampat has flayed police action on the protestors demanding revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur and detaining public leaders spearheading the movement under NSA.

Use of such brute force against the agitators would be able to quell the voice of the people and solve the present problem, a Union statement said.

The Oriental College Students’ Union has also strongly condemned use of force by security personnel and detention of some of the college students who have gone to surrender their text books to Governor protesting against imposition of AFSPA today.

Class boycott: To express their resentment against the indifferent attitude of the State Govt towards the public demand for revocation of black laws from Manipur, students of Meitei Mayek High School, Kongba Bazar today boycotted their classes.

They also appealed to students of other schools to follow suit.

Tributes paid: Rich floral tributes have been paid to Pebam Chittaranjan and Konjengbam Memita who made supreme sacrifices for the cause of removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur during a function organised by Lamlong Keithel Phambi Apunba Lup today.

Candles lit: Torches and candles were lighted at different places today in connection with the shradh ceremony of Pebam Chittaranjan Mangang.

Police personnel allegedly put off the candles and drove their vehicles over the candles lighted along Tiddim Road.

Relief donation: Helpline Unit being opened at RIMS Hospital to look after the needs of persons who suffered injuries in police action today received a total amount of Rs 2,300 as relief donation from various organisations and individuals.

Protests against AFSPA continue
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 05: Protest demonstrations continued to be staged at different parts of the State demanding the complete revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur and giving fitting punishment to the AR personnel responsible for killing Thangjam Manorama and Saichang village pastor Jamkholet Khongsai.

Womenfolk in large number formed human chains at Moidangpokpi, Keithelmanbi and Patsoi demanding revocation of AFSPA from entire the State of Manipur and fitting action against the killers of Manorama and Jamkholet.

Responding to the protest call given by Loijing Loya Apunba Lup, mass sit-in-protest demonstrations were also held at different places of Khundrakpam and Saikul ACs like Pangei, Pukhao, Yumnam Khunou, etc.

People belonging to different communities took part in the protest demonstration raising the pitch of public demand for withdrawing the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur and punishment of AR personnel involved in the killing of Manorama and Jamkholet Khongsai.

Torch rallies were also taken out last night at Ngairangbam, Khumbong, Laingamkhun, Khaidem and Salang Sabal demanding complete removal of AFSPA from Manipur, punishment of guilty AR personnel involved in the killing of Thangjam Manorama and Pastor Jamkholet Khongsai and release of all the arrested public leaders without any condition.

A large number of womenfolk of the area took part in the protest rallies organized under the aegis of Manipurgi Ngamkhei Kanba Lup NH-53.

Later the demonstrators converged at Khumbong Bazar where a joint meeting was held.

During the meeting the womenfolk reiterated the decision to extend full cooperation to any future course of actions taken by the Apunba Lup as well as to intensify the ongoing agitation.

They also observed two minutes silence as mark of respect to the departed souls of Chittaranjan and Memita who have sacrificed their lives for the public cause and hailed the courage of the 12 mothers who disrobed their dresses protested in front of gate of Assam Rifles at Kangla.

Torch rallies were also reportedly taken out at Irilbung, Sangaithel, Kacleikhul, Maklang, Luker, Leitong, Tairenpokpi, Haorang Keirel as well as Sekta tonight.

Meanwhile, stepping up the ongoing agitation, Kongba branches of all AMSU, DESAM and MSF have jointly announced indefinite class boycott of all the schools and colleges located within their respective jurisdiction with effect from tomorrow.

A joint statement of the students' bodies asserted that prevailing atmosphere is not conducive for the students to concentrate their mind in studies.

The Government should ensure remain of normalcy so that the academic atmosphere is not affected.

So long as the Govt remain adamant to fulfillment of public demand for complete withdrawal of AFSPA, there can be no peace in the State, the joint statement said, informing that the class boycott would remain in force till there is normalcy and peace in the State.

Coming out strongly against use of brute force against the protestors, the students' bodies asserted that the democratic agitation of the people could never be suppressed by using force and arresting public leaders.

The students’ body also strongly condemned the State police forces for allegedly assaulting general secretary of AMSU HQs after being arrested and detention of MAFYF president in police custody.

The students' bodies also took serious note backtracking on commitment given to the Editors' Forum, Manipur by the State Govt with regard to cease crackdown on public leaders spearheading the ongoing agitation to pave way for participation in the talks with Union Home Minister to end the present crisis.

Agitations against AFSPA continue
Source: The Sangai Express

New Delhi, September 15: Responding the Wakat Khongjang of apunba lup several hundred women folks of Charangpat and Icham Khunou staged sit-in-protest today.

Under the aegis of Women Welfare Association Charangpat around 300 agitators carried out the protest at Charangpat mamang Leikai bazar where slogans were shouted demanding complete revocation of AFSPA and punishment of security personnel involved in the custodial killing of thangjam Manorama Devi.

At Icham Khunou bazar women agitators from Thokchom Khul, Bengi Khul, Icham Khunou and local meira paibis along with youth organisation members staged sit-in-protest.

The protests continued till late afternoon.

United Keirao Assembly Segment People’s Apex Organisation would also be organising sit-in-protest demonstration at different parts of the Constituency as part of the ongoing agitation for complete withdrawal of AFSPA and punishment of guilty AR personnel responsible for the killing of Manorama.

Meanwhile, Nupi Keithel Marup has demanded release of all the arrested publuc leaders who have been detained under NSA

Cyberpresse.ca
17-09-2004

Loi antiterroriste contestée abrogée en Inde

Agence France-Presse
New Delhi

Le gouvernement indien a abrogé vendredi une loi anti-terroriste contestée qui donnait de larges pouvoirs à la justice et à la police depuis son adoption après les attentats du 11 septembre 2001 aux États-Unis.

Un conseil des ministres dirigé par le chef du gouvernement Manmohan Singh a décidé vendredi par ordonnance d'abroger le Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) et d'amender une loi existante pour y introduire des mesures relatives au terrorisme, a indiqué un communiqué du gouvernement.

La coalition menée par le Parti du Congrès au pouvoir depuis mai «s'est inquiétée de la mauvaise utilisation du POTA au cours des deux années passées. Cet acte va être abrogé sans pour autant que nous transigions avec le terrorisme», dit le communiqué.

«Le gouvernement a également décidé de promulguer une autre ordonnance permettant d'introduire certaines provisions relatives aux diverses facettes du terrorisme» dans une loi déjà existante, le Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, ajoute le communiqué.

Le ministre de l'Intérieur, Shivraj Patil, a indiqué que les groupes et organisations interdites sous le coup du POTA le resteraient.

Le gouvernement a enfin donné un an pour que tous les dossiers en cours dans le cadre du POTA soient réexaminés.

«Il est important de noter que l'intention du gouvernement est de protéger les droits de la population contre une mauvaise utilisation du POTA», ajoute le communiqué du gouvernement.

Le POTA avait été voté en mars 2002 sous le précédent gouvernement, mené par le parti nationaliste hindou BJP, dans la foulée des attentats du 11 septembre 2001 et d'une attaque contre le Parlement indien trois mois plus tard, attribuée à des rebelles islamistes par les autorités indiennes.

Il donnait des pouvoirs extraordinaires à la justice et à la police, en matière de jugement et de détention notamment.

Le précédent gouvernement a été accusé d'utiliser cette loi de façon disproportionnée contre les musulmans, en particulier dans l'État du Gujarat où au moins 2.000 personnes sont mortes dans des émeutes inter-religieuses en 2002.

Le BJP a vivement réagi à l'annonce de l'abrogation du POTA et a averti qu'il lancerait une action de protestation contre le gouvernement, au Parlement et dans la rue.

«L'abrogation du POTA équivaut à compromettre la sécurité intérieure du pays», a déclaré le porte-parole du parti, Arun Jaitley. Les gouvernements régionaux examineront la possibilité de faire appliquer une loi anti-terroriste similaire au POTA, a-t-il ajouté.

«Le POTA était le seul acte qui comprenne une définition élaborée du terrorisme et qui avait fait de (son) financement un délit. Le POTA donnait des pouvoirs légaux pour les interpellations, faisait des confessions devant officier de police une preuve et contenait des mesures rigoureuses pour contrer les demandes de mise en liberté provisoire sous caution», a-t-il poursuivi.

Huge rally in Nagoan supporting Manipur cause
Source: Oken Jeet Sandham

Nagoan (Assam), Sept 18 (NEPS): Over ten organizations of Assam's Nagoan district have today organized a huge public rally here expressing their solidarity with the people of Manipur on the ongoing demand to revoke the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 from the State.

The organizations that included CPI (ML), Nagoan District, Hojai Meirapaibee Lup, Hojai, All India Progressive Women Association (AIPWA), Nagoan District have also submitted a memorandum to Indian Home Minister, Shivraj Patil, through DC, Nagoan.

They ralliests have strongly demanded to withdraw the AFSPA from Manipur as well as entire north eastern region and also punish the guilty Assam Rifles personnel involved in the "rape and murder" of Th Manorama in Manipur.

Urging the Government of India to fulfill the demands of Manipuri people, the organizations also strongly demanded the authorities to immediately stop "repressive tactics" of Police on the people's democratic movement in Manipur and northeastern region.

They have also demanded the Government to release Lantuk Fangsu of Karbi Anglong without any condition at the earliest.

Leaders of the organizations have strongly criticized the dilly-dallying tactics of the Government of India in fulfilling the demands of the Manipur people.

Addressing the huge rally, Mrinal Nath of the AIPWA, Nagoan District said the security forces had been constantly harassing women in the name of counter-insurgency not only in Manipur but also in the region.

"We have to strengthen the hands of Manipur people at this juncture and collectively fight against inhuman activities of the security forces," she stated.

"The Government of India has turned a deaf ear to the two-month long agitations in Manipur and we, as neighbors, will extend all possible assistance to them (Manipur people) till the goal is achieved".

The AIPWA leader also said the people of Manipur starting from Bir Tikendrajit to Th Manoram have been the victims of the excesses of the security forces and further warned that they would even go "Pebam Chittaranajan (who had self-immolated)" way if "situation demands".

Another CPM (ML) leader Anup Kumar Mahanta also said the Manorama fate might befall on their children too in future if they didn't uproot the AFSPA from the region completely.

Karam Ongbi Saraswati of Hojai Meirapaibee Lup, during the rally, reaffirmed their commitment to fight against the AFSPA that gives special powers to the security forces to do anything at their will.

"As Manipuri women, we are not afraid to fight for the cause of the people and ready to face any eventuality," she shouted.

Lup's blockade call comes into force
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 19: Giving more bite to the agitation against the continued imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in the State, the Working Committee of the Apunba Lup today announced that the blockade imposed on NH-39 and NH-53 has come into force from midnight today and will be in force till October 15.

In a statement, the Lup appealed to the people to bear with the inconveniences for the time has come for all to either swim or sink together and added that if the agitation is called off prematurely then it would sound the death knell of the Manipuri people.

To make the blockade a success the Lup has appealed to all transporters, drivers and others to extend their co-operation.

The Lup has also asked all to dissociate themselves from the upcoming Konthoujam by election.

The Lup said that the by election is meaningless in the face of the immense excesses committed by the security personnel and added that it is far more desirable not to send any representative in a climate where there is no political determination.

Asking the people not be fooled by any false propaganda spread by any vested interest, the Lup said that the by election will not amount to anything except result in benefits of some pseudo representatives and their chamchas.

Reminding the people of the antecedents of Lok Sabha MP Dr T Meinya, who was elected from Konthoujam, the Lup said that this very person had taken a pledge at Shahid Minar to fight for the revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

After getting elected on the embers of the June 18, 2001 uprising, Dr Meinya joined the ruling front and then joined the Congress for his own gains, charged the statement.

Going on the offensive against the MP, the statement said that Dr Meinya rushed back from Delhi when his outhouse was set on fire, but till today he has not uttered a single word after Pebam Chittaranjan committed self immolation.

It is highly shameful that while MPs of other States have acknowledged the sufferings and aspirations of the people, the MP from Manipur and the State Government are hell bent on snuffing out the voice of the people, said the Lup.

The high handedness and the crackdown launched on the agitators will never succeed in defeating the people's movement, warned the Lup.

Protests against AFSPA held all over
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 19: With the Govt still not showing any signs of budging an inch from its stand, despite continuous public protest for the last two months, sit in protests and dharnas continued unabated in different parts of the State demanding the immediate removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

At Sekmai Bazar, women folk of Awang Sekmai Kongjengleima area staged a sit in protest at Sekmai Bazar today from 10 am to 3 pm.

The sit in protest which was organized by Advance Women Society Awang Sekmai was attended by about two/three hundred meira paibis of Kongjengleima area and women vendors of Sekmai Bazar.

All shops and business establishments of Sekmai Bazar remained closed during the course of the sit in protest.

Protestors also put up placards and festoons demanding the immediate removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, punishment of the killers of Manorama and Pastor Jamkholet Khongsai, release of the arrested Apunba Lup leaders etc during the protest.

Effigies of Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and the Chief Minister were also burnt by the protestors at the end of the sit in protest as a mark of protest against the Central and State Govt's indifferent attitude towards the demand of the people.

Meanwhile, members of JN Hospital Road Apunba Lup staged a sit in protest in front of the third gate of JN Hospital today demanding the immediate removal of AFSPA from the State.

The protest which began from 10 am and ended at 3 pm was participated by about 200 womenfolk of the area.

At Wabagai, a large number of meira paibis numbering about 500 also carried out a sit in protest at Wabagai.

The protest was jointly organized by Awang Wabagai Meira paibi and Awang Wabagai Shining Club.

Meira paibis belonging to the Kongpal Nupi Samaj and Social Welfare Porompat also carried out a sit in protest at Porompat Amomthong today.

Members present at the meeting also resolved to support the ongoing stir of the Apunba Lup till the dreaded Act was completely revoked.

Meanwhile, volunteers of North East Imphal People Committee today organized a public meeting at Faknung Mayai Leikai Community Hall in discussed further course of actions to be taken up to intensify the ongoing stir.

The meeting strongly denounced the State Govt's apathy towards the demand of the people.

Denouncing the Central Govt as well as the State Govt for being indifferent to the sensitive issues of the State, members of Nongpok Sanjenbam meira paibi and Kambongput meira paibi began a three day sit in protest at Nongpok Sanjenbam today.

The protesters also burnt the effigies of PM Manmohan Singh and CM O Ibobi.

Sit in protests held all over
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 23: Stepping up the ongoing agitation against the against the continued imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the State, a large number of meira paibis staged sit in protest, rallies and even burnt effigies of the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers in different parts of the State today.

At Heirok Bazar, a large number of meira paibis staged a sit- in protest at around 10 in the morning but they were immediately dispersed by police personnel who swung into action on hearing reports about the protest.

However, students of Lupi Manjuree Girls High School took to the street after the departure of the security forces and carried out a rally demanding for immediate revocation of AFSPA from the State.

Students of Heirok part I High School participated in the rally.

The students also formed a human chain after the rally.

Meira paibis and volunteers of Tentha Heibung Nupi Marup, Tentha Khunou Awang Leikai Nupi Marup, Tentha Heibung Tresa Club and Tranquillity Club also staged a sit in protest at the market shed of Tentha Heibung.

The protesters burnt the effigies of Prime Minister, Union Home Minister and Chief Minister after the sit in protest.

Similar protest were also carried out at Chingdungpok, Shalungpham, Kairembikhok, Lamlong Bazar and Lamlong Keithel today demanding for immediate removal of AFSPA from the State.

Joining the ongoing public protest against the State Govt's indifferent attitude towards the demand of the people, meira paibis and volunteers of various organization numbering about 1500 also staged a sit in protest at Irengbam Community Hall.

The protesters included volunteers from Irengbam UCM unit, Irengbam Modhumati Sr H/S, Irengbam Meira paibi Apunba Lup and clubs of Irengbam area.

Protesters also burnt effigies of Home Minister Shivraj Patil and CM O Ibobi during the course of the protest.

Despite blockade, fuel stock healthy
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 23: Despite the blockade imposed on the two National Highways by the Apunba Lup to press for the complete revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, the fuel stock remains healthy in the State.

Speaking to The Sangai Express a highly placed source said that though the Apunba Lup has imposed a blockade on the two National Highways, the fuel stock, including petrol, diesel and kerosene is still healthy and there is no need to press the alarm bell.

Even the Ari Turbine fuel stock is healthy, said the source.

On an average, the State needs about 50 kl of petrol and 100 Kl of diesel per day, said the source adding that there is no need for the consumers to panic.

FCS Minister Nagmthang Haokip told The Sangai Express that his Ministry will make sure that fuel is available to the people adding that no efforts will be spared to ensure that the fuel supply gets chocked off.

The FCS Minister further said that the State Government will soon work out a policy to check sale of petrol in the black market and appealed to the people to extend their co-operation.

Meanwhile another source said that the IOC oil depot set up at Chingmeirong in 1985 is today not able to meet the demands of the day.

The source said that the storage tanks were installed with the objective of meeting the fuel demands of the people for only one month.

There is a pressing need to increase the capacity of the storage tanks, said the source adding that so far the Government has not been able to acquire additional plots of land to increase the size of the storage tanks.

This has inevitably resulted in many tankers spending days on the road without delivering the fuel at the depot since the tanks have already been filled up to its capacity, further said the source.

Moreover the number of tankers ferrying fuel from outside the State to Manipur have increased keeping in line with the demands of the day, said the source adding that there is urgent need to increase to storing capacity of the oil depot.

The demand for fuel has increased since 1985.

India Scraps Controversial Anti-Terror Law
Wed Sep 22, 2004 03:16 AM ET

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India's president has repealed a tough anti-terror law, a government official said on Wednesday, removing a measure critics say has been misused against minority Muslims and to settle political scores.

But President Abdul Kalam approved another decree to give more teeth to an older law to deal with terrorism to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act, which was introduced after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States and a raid on the Indian parliament three months later.

New York-based Human Rights Watch welcomed New Delhi's decision saying it was a signal to other countries to fight terrorism without infringing basic human rights.

"As in other countries that have adopted hastily drafted anti-terror legislation after September 11, this law was abused and actually weakened India's democracy," Human Rights Watch said in a statement.

The Congress-led coalition, which took office in May this year, had promised to repeal the act, which gave security forces powers to arrest, interrogate and detain suspects for 30 days without producing them before a court.

Hundreds of people have been held under the law since then, including many Muslims in the riot-scarred western state of Gujarat. Critics said the law had also been used against government opponents in several states.

India still has a host of anti-terror laws, including in the disputed region of Kashmir, which have been abused, Human Rights Watch said. It called for a review of all legislation that it said infringed upon civil liberties.

The federal government has refused to withdraw a decades-old anti-insurgency law in the tiny northeastern state of Manipur, despite public unrest triggered by the killing of a 32-year-old woman by soldiers in July.

Activists began an unprecedented 16-day blockade of the land-locked northeastern state on Monday to force the government to drop the law that gives soldiers powers to detain and shoot suspected rebels without involving civil authorities.

"In addition to addressing the law, now is a good time to address the culture of impunity enjoyed by some of the country's security forces," Human Rights Watch said.