AFSPA – Page 8 – Manipur News

A Meal for Sharmila

Irom Sharmila said that she has not had a drop of water for the last fourteen years. The hunger striker in her maiden press conference at Manipur Press Club was

Irom Sharmila said that she has not had a drop of water for the last fourteen years. The hunger striker in her maiden press conference at Manipur Press Club was a poignant affair. Teary eyed, she mentioned that she yearns to have a meal, as the only taste she had known was of her own saliva.

In one’s normal routine, the day begins with breakfast and after having lunch, we come out for the day’s work. As we burn calories, our metabolism demands replenishment every now and then. After all, who has not experienced the pangs of hunger ! When Sharmila came to the press club, she looked exhausted. The activists accompanying her also mentioned of the stress she has undergone since her release and even appealed to the media to refrain from asking too many questions. It is hospitable routine to offer someone a drink of water if the person looks exhausted, and the first thought that came was to offer her a glass of water. But, it dawned that to offer such hospitality would be sacrilege, despite the heart wishing to offer her respite.

She had her moment with the media but in the course, her statement of wanting to have a meal tugged at the heart. Her cry that the public needs to wake up and see the demon, to face it and to emerge victorious cut across the corners of the room. She mentioned of not being a martyr nor being a leader, but just simply demanding the right to life in form of non-violent protest.

A complete sense of emasculation pervaded! A sense of being a non-entity and inability to aid her crept in, for someone who has been fasting for 14 years so that we could live without the fear of the demon. What could be done and what can one do, for her and for ourselves ? One cannot muster up the courage to stand alongside her and join in her fast. But her appeal to the masses to aid her in removing AFSPA still resonates clearly!

The present situation before her so called release is a series of protests for implementation of the Inner Line Permit system which is still ongoing. The agitations of students, meira paibis, local clubs led by civil organizations was the top issue and much pressure was put to the government. However, the news of Sharmila’s so called ‘release’ again came to the forefront and the headlines are of her again. In the matter, what short of a release is 24 hours ? It seems a cruel jest from the judiciary or otherwise to toy with the liberty of a living icon. Now, the various leaders of civil bodies swore to stand by her and to pursue the fight against AFSPA. With the way things are, the question is, are we supposed to demand for the ILP system or to show solidarity to Sharmila against AFSPA ?

When queried to Sharmila about how she wants the public to reciprocate, it was mentioned that the two issues can be clubbed together and protest can be held jointly. It is not within one’s ambit to decide or suggest the measures needed to bring about a resolve in this regard. But, Sharmila had also mentioned that the public needs to decide for themselves while quipping in that AFSPA robs one of the right to life.

This act has been implemented for such a time and so many atrocities perpetrated that perhaps the public has become accustomed to the demon. The lethargy has become part of our system and perhaps we feel that the writing on the wall is meant for the other person.

The present state of affairs and the petrol pumps closing down, the unavailability of fuel seems to be what the public seems to be actually concerned about. It is time that the social activists chalk out a plan to rally for the AFSPA cause, as with Sharmila once again in prison, the AFSPA protest may vaporize like it has this last fourteen years. Let us at least try to feed her a meal.

Leader Writer: Paojel Chaoba

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/a-meal-for-sharmila/

Irom Sharmila is a victim, not an offender – SSSC

IMPHAL, August 22: Several organisations have condemned the re-arrest of irom Chanu Sharmila today. In a press statement, the Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign, SSSC has condemned the re-arrest. It said

IMPHAL, August 22: Several organisations have condemned the re-arrest of irom Chanu Sharmila today.

In a press statement, the Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign, SSSC has condemned the re-arrest.

It said the arrest is shameful and undemocratic, continuing that both the State and the Union governments have not made a single attempt to open talks with her.

The government cannot suppress her thoughts, ideology, it said before questioning why the government is bent on arresting her on the claim of attempting suicide, while Sharmila has refuted the claim repeatedly.

It continued that Sharmila is a victim, not a law offender and added that AFSPA is the culprit. And in a democracy, it is shameful that the victim is being imprisoned instead of the culprit, it added.

The statement maintained that AFSPA must be repealed immediately and further demanded that the case of ‘attempt to suicide’ must be removed.

Until the demands are fulfilled, the struggle and demonstration will continue, it said.

Meanwhile, the Amnesty International India in a seperate statement has said that Sharmila’s arrest is a farcical exercise and a setback for human rights in India.

Kadambari Gladding, campaigner with Amnesty International India, who is in Imphal to follow the events, said, “For the past two days, Irom Sharmila had been visited by well-wishers and activists to share her joy in being released and expressing solidarity with her struggle against the AFSPA. Today, when the police arrived to take her away, a group of Manipuri mothers surrounded her to show their solidarity. But Sharmila was dragged away by the police in her frail state.”

Speaking to Amnesty International India after her release Irom Sharmila had said, “I feel gratitude for all the support, but my gratitude cannot be complete until AFSPA is repealed,” said the statement.

“Instead of engaging with the important issues Irom Sharmila is raising, the Manipur government has disappointingly returned to its old ways of muffling dissent. The absurd move to re-arrest Irom Sharmila for ‘attempted suicide’ shows utter disdain for her constitutional rights,” said Shailesh Rai, programmes director at Amnesty International India, added the statement.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/irom-sharmila-is-a-victim-not-an-offender-sssc/

Sharmila’s counsel ready to appeal to higher court to have charge of attempted suicide nullified

IMPHAL, June 4: The counsel on behalf of Irom Sharmila, senior advocate Khaidem Mani, expressed dissatisfaction at the conclusion drawn by the District and Session Judge Manipur East, which once

IMPHAL, June 4: The counsel on behalf of Irom Sharmila, senior advocate Khaidem Mani, expressed dissatisfaction at the conclusion drawn by the District and Session Judge Manipur East, which once again declined to lift the charge that Sharmila is detained for attempted suicide.

Expressing reservations about Justice A Noutuneshwari’s ruling, he said it is his and his client’s wish that the case be appealed further to a higher court, desirably the Manipur High Court, as a revision case.

Sharmila, internationally known anti-AFSPA crusader and human rights defender, who has been on a fast for the last 14 years, was produce before the bench of the CJM Imphal East Justice A Noutuneshwari today at around 11:15 am for the hearing of her case under section 309 IPC on the charge of attempt to commit suicide.

After the hearing, Shamila spoke to the media in the sidelines and said hers is not an attempt to commit suicide. On the contrary, hers is a resistance struggle to rescue the society from the oppression of the draconian act AFSPA which has been in promulgation in Manipur for the last many decades. She reiterated that her fast is a protest to have the AFSPA removed so that the people can cease to live in perpetual fear psychosis.

She said today she came to court with immense hope that the charge framed against her would be dropped forever and the people of this beleaguered region would become free citizens of India, but the judgment belied her hopes totally. She said she is dissatisfied and upset by the judgment.

She however said she will not give up the fight or the hope that ultimately the struggle will bear fruit, provided the voice of the masses stays focused and united on the question of the repeal of the AFSPA.

Her counsel Khaidem Mani explained that the court has charged her under section 309 IPC for attempt to commit suicide, citing prima facie evidence. He said cross examination of prosecution witnesses will be conducted on July 7, 2014.

He further said that it is unreasonable to frame a charge sheet against her for the supposed cognizable offence of attempt to commit suicide. “She is fasting in the formed of agitation to have the AFSPA repealed, and demanding the rights to life and liberty under Article 26 of Indian Constitution guaranteed to all bona fide citizens of India,” Mani said.

This fast cannot be equated with suicide attempt, Mani argued in court. The court however remained unmoved by the defence counsel’s argument and directed that there will be further cross examination.

It may be mentioned that Sharmila is appearing before the JMIC after a long gap.

Formal charge hearing against Sharmila ends; verdict on June 4

IMPHAL, May 24: The Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal East will announce its verdict on June 4 after the formal charge hearing against Irom Sharmila ends on Saturday. Sharmila has been

Sharmila coming out of the court room

IMPHAL, May 24: The Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal East will announce its verdict on June 4 after the formal charge hearing against Irom Sharmila ends on Saturday.

Sharmila has been under judicial custody on charges of attempting suicide under section 309 of Indian Panel Court for not partaking food. She remains steadfast on her fast unto death until her demand for repeal of AFSPA from the state is met.

The Superintendent of Police (SP), Prisons, Goulangmang, who was summoned on May 21 for not submitting Sharmila’s health status report, appeared before the court today.

After the hearing, Sharmila said she wishes to meet the new Prime Minister to inform him about the hardships faced by people due to the imposition of AFSPA, adding that she hasn’t asked for an appointment so far.

Stating that there was no problem with her health, she replied that she didn’t have any faith in politicians when asked about her opinion on the JD (U)’s decision to join her struggle.

“If they are honest and join the fight until the demand is conceded, it will be good for me and the people too,” she stated.

She said if her defense lawyers are not able to provide her justice, the social activists and others would.

Briefing the media, Sharmila’s counsel Khaidem Mani said that the legal charge hearing against Sharmila was over and on June 4 the court would announce its verdict.

Stating that the S0 (Prisons) submitted reports to the court on her mental and physical status which were found to be normal. He said something is amiss in the charges against her because hers is not an attempt to commit suicide but a fast unto death demanding the wellbeing of every citizen.

Peace Volunteers trained to mitigate conflict in India’s Northeast

Peace Volunteers trained to mitigate conflict in India’s Northeast Delhi/Imphal, 5 April 2014: Northeast India comprises the contiguous Seven Sister States—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur,Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and a brother Sikkim. The region has been facing the onslaught of multiple armed conflicts for

Peace Volunteers trained to mitigate conflict in India’s Northeast

Peace Volunteers trained to mitigate conflict in India’s Northeast

Delhi/Imphal, 5 April 2014: Northeast India comprises the contiguous Seven Sister States—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur,Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and a brother Sikkim. The region has been facing the onslaught of multiple armed conflicts for many decades. The issues aggravated after the introduction of the Armed Forces Special Power Act. More than 50,000 lives have been lost in the violence. The total population of North Eastern Region of India is 38,857,769, of which 19.1% are living below the poverty line. North East India deals with complex social political issues such as struggle over natural resources, ethnic conflicts, illegal migration, displacement and social exclusion. In Assam, there have been 14 bomb blasts since January to March, this year and 30 cases of bomb blasts between January and March 23 in Manipur. The conflict in Manipur turns 300 women into widows annually.

On 25-26 March 2014, Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network and North East India Women Initiative for Peace in partnership with Control Arms Foundation of India (CAFI) successfully organized an event ‘Peace Volunteers Training on Women, Peace & Security, Human Rights, Leadership, Conflict Resolution and Peace Building in Northeast India’, in Manipur.

The training workshop commenced with an introductory speech by Ms Binalakshmi Nepram Founder, Manipur Women Gun Survivor Network, welcoming all the resource persons and ‘Peace Volunteers’ at the event. She opened the session by giving an overview of the disturbing situation and status of women in Northeast India, against the background of the region’s prolonged inter and intra-state conflicts and patriarchal nature. She described how women are the victims of rape, abduction, child marriages, female infanticide, acid attacks, dowry-related murders, honor killing and enslavement. The focus of her speech was on ‘Women, Peace and Security in Northeast India’ and the inclusion of women in peace negotiation processes. She mentioned that Nepal is the first and only South Asian country to adopt the National Action Plan on Resolution 1325 and 1820, as a result of which the application of Security Council Resolution 1325 – which addresses the disproportionate and unique impact of armed conflict on women. She furthermore criticized that many Northeast India’s conflicts which are left unreported by mass media.

Ms Hazarimayum Jubita, Executive Director of Gender and Development Initiative and Convener of Peace Core Team, Manipur expressed that ‘Peace is a Process’. She quoted, “In Northeast India Peace Builders fight each other and form another Peace Builder.” She also mentioned that conflict can be solved from the top, down and bottom process and expressed the need of women in decision making processes and give peaceful solutions to the conflicts. She also expressed the need of women in decision making processes and give peaceful solutions to the conflicts. She said that Conflict happens at different levels, so, we need women to engage in decision making processes at different levels.

Mr. Wahengbam Joykumar, Executive Director, Human Rights Initiative, Manipur, explained the benefits of volunteerism. He mentioned about the qualities of a good leader as well as non-violent methods to combat violence. He also explained the concept of Human Rights which means freedom, equality, dignity, non-discrimination and is indivisible and universal. Further, he traced the concept of Human Rights to Indian Context, that in India, every citizen is entitled to all the Six Fundamental Rights granted by the Constitution and as citizens of India, have the right to seek constitutional remedy in times of human rights violation.

Mr. Phurpa Tsering, MA, International Relations, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, expressed his opinion about who could be Peace Volunteer, training methods, roles and responsibilities of the peace volunteer. He said that there should be linkage of local level network to the national level peace building process to ensure amplification of voices from grass roots to the national platform, to link community groups and leaders, to link networks of women to district, state and national level networks, to link with peace buildingnetworks, mothers’ bazaars, district & state conventions and meetings, awareness events, exposure and exchange visits, youth meetings, and media engagement. He also added that women representatives should be facilitated to participate in different national and regional forums works on women, peace and security agenda as well as supported to attend discussion forums and contribute to the dialogue processes.

Mr Meihoubam Rakesh, Director, Human Rights Law Network, Manipur, explained how to file First Information Report (FIR) to the police and any application to the court. He mainly focused how to apply theoretical knowledge to practical and field knowledge. He encouraged women and youths to learn the basic rights given by the constitution and spread awareness in their society by doing more practical works. According to him, attending workshop and reading books about the rules and regulation is not worth until and unless you apply that practically.

Mr RK Bobichand, Director, Change and Peacebuilding Action (CPA), expressed that “there is no formula for peace building”. He explained each and every point about the types of conflict, types of violence, different approaches to conflict like prevention, settlement, management, resolution as well as conflict transformation. Later on, he added ‘Peace is a process, many-sided, never-ending struggle to transform violence’ and explained about the types of negative and positive peace.

D. Michael Lunminthang Haokip, Doctoral Student, Department of Political Science, Manipur University, Imphal, said that in order to bring peace and to build friendship, home visit and taking documentation is one of the most important parts in bringing peace among the different societies, caste and groups. He explained how to do documentation of any incident happened and encouraged volunteers to start work from grass root level.

There were around 40 volunteers at the event and all were highly motivated by the Peace Volunteer training workshop by gaining much knowledge about the issues of Women, Peace and security, Human rights, Leadership, conflict transformation and Peace building in Northeast India. They were being assigned various tasks such as, to make documentation of conflict affected people, identification of prominent people in their area and to look whether they work for the people, collect the data of any incident happen in a year and identify themselves the areas/issues they can contribute for the society as a peace volunteer.

The workshop lay stressed on gender issues. It was suggested that the role of women in decision making processes is a critical factor in solving problems. Youth and women were encouraged to take leadership role and participate in all social activities.

Irom Chanu Sharmila remanded to 15 days judicial custody

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Manipur, IMPHAL, July 23: Irom Chanu Sharmila was today produced before the court of JMIC Imphal East today and was further remanded to 15 days judicial custody at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences Security ward. Speaking to media … Continue reading →

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Speaking to media persons outside the court complex, Sharmila said that AFSPA has not been repealed from the state due to the weakness of the state government.

She said the state has failed to force the central government to repeal the act.

She further expressed her desire for all sections of society to raise their voice collectively against AFSPA and demand the repeal of AFSPA from the state.

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Save Sharmila Campaign and Mission Bhartiyam: PROTEST AGAINST RAMBAN (J&K) KILLING AT JANTAR MANTAR

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PRESS RELEASE: PROTEST AGAINST RAMBAN (J&K) KILLING AT JANTAR MANTAR New Delhi July 21: On the appeal of Save Sharmila Campaign and Mission Bhartiyam, a protest was organised against the Ramban Massacre by BSF that claimed 6 lives and injured 44 … Continue reading →

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PRESS RELEASE: PROTEST AGAINST RAMBAN (J&K) KILLING AT JANTAR MANTAR

New Delhi July 21: On the appeal of Save Sharmila Campaign and Mission Bhartiyam, a protest was organised against the Ramban Massacre by BSF that claimed 6 lives and injured 44 others.

Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign is a nation-wide campaign in support of Irom Sharmila and for the repeal of the draconian law of AFSPA. For two years, it has been working to spread awareness, mobilise support and generate political pressure to repeal the law. It is an umbrella of many civil society organisations. The protest was joined and supported by many progressive groups namely AISA, Campus Front of India, Jamia Teachers’ Solidarity Association, NCHRO, PUCL, J&K RTI and PUDR among several others.

The BSF had opened fired on a mob that was protesting against the alleged manhandling by BSF personnel of a local imam, followed by the reported desecration of the Holy Quran the previous night. The following morning, a group of protestors had reached a BSF post in Gool in Ramban district and they were responded with a massacre.

The organisers believe that this shameful and unacceptable incident called Ramban massacre is, however, not a sudden reaction to the protest.

“The Ramban incident is a prima facie case of coercive method adopted by the security personals. It highlights the highhanded attitude of the security forces that they have acquired over a period time due to their absolute powers and the impunity granted to them”, said Ravi Nitesh, founder of Mission Bhartiyam.

“This protest is about this unacceptable massacre, it is to show our solidarity with the victims and demand justice but it has been organised to attack the root. We know that this incident is not the first incident in Kashmir. These inhuman incidents are quite frequent in Kashmir and in states of North East because draconian laws like AFSPA breed them. We are here today to appeal for humanity, to demand the repeal of AFSPA.” remarked Devika Mittal, core member of Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign.

The organizers believe that real justice for the victims of the massacre will be to attack the “root” cause i.e. militarization and draconian laws like AFSPA that has led to fake encounters, rape and killings of civilians.

“It is unfortunate that these incidents are happening in the World’s largest “democracy”. It is unfortunate that these killings are justified in the name of upholding the ‘integrity’ of the nation. We feel that development, basic civil rights, basic amenities and justice should be used to uphold the ‘integrity’ not torture.” said V Arun Kumar of AISA.

“There is a long list of incidents where security personals of almost all wings have violated the human rights in J&K. There have been fake encounters, torture, rapes etc. in the state but nothing has been done to prosecute the culprits till now. So there is every reason to believe that like other similar incidents before, there will be no action taken by the government against security personals in Ramban massacre too. In such situation the only option left for the democratic forces to raise voice against such injustices”, said Mohammad Tanveer of Campus Front of India.

Asad Ashraf from Jamia Solidarity Students told that “unless and until there is demilitarization, the situation will not improve in J&K. We must know that dissatisfaction is a primary reason for increase in insurgent activities so it’s high time that we think about “their” welfare, not “ours”.

Kaashif who was here from Chhatra Vimarsh magazine, remarked that “How do we take pride in being the world’s largest “democracy” when democracy is not extended to all states within our own country.”

Manjit from PUDR remarked, “It is tragic that Kashmiris are looked upon as “anti-national”, as “anti-Indian”. It is true that there are anti-state slogans in Kashmir but this is because the only symbol of India i.e. the army has created hell in their land”.

The protest was supported by renowned Activists like Gautam Navlakha, Prashant Bhushan, Manisha Sethi and many others. Though they could not be present. they had The protest was joined in by many people from Kashmir and even from states of North-East.

Dr, Muzaffar Bhat of J&K chapter of RTI remarked, “This incident happened in Jammu which is seen to be more “peaceful”. So there cannot be any justification. It shows that the entire Kashmir is under attack. ”

The organisations demands the repeal of AFSPA, it demands the de-militarisation of all civilian areas in the AFSPA-imposed states, to investigate all crimes committed under it, to prosecute the guilty persons, compensate the victims and just initiatives to improve the situation in J&K and in the states of North-East. They will be submitting a memorandum to the Prime Minister, to the Home Ministry and the Ministry of Defence.

For more information, call Devika Mittal +91 9582129927

Glimpses of the event:

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An open letter to NHRC to intervene in cases of human rights violation in J&K and North East

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To, The Chairperson National Human Rights Commission Faridkot House New Delhi 110001 Subject: Request to act in the cases of human rights’ violation in North-East and Jammu & Kashmir Respected Sir, With due respect, we request you to … Continue reading →

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To,

The Chairperson

National Human Rights Commission

Faridkot House

New Delhi 110001

Subject: Request to act in the cases of human rights’ violation in North-East and Jammu & Kashmir

Respected Sir,

With due respect, we request you to kindly consider this as a letter from one human being to another. This is about a situation that NHRC is well-aware of. We know that hundreds of letters, appeals and requests have been sent to NHRC. As members of Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign, we have met you twice regarding this issue. Sir, the issue remains the same – to save the life of people of North east and Jammu & Kashmir from the demon named AFSPA or Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

It is a fact that the world has acknowledged the struggle of eche Irom Sharmila. They salute her for her sustained faith in the democratic and non-violent way of struggle. She has been considered for the Noble Peace Prize. It is also a fact that UN has also questioned India on the validity of this law. The UN had recognised the horrendous lives that the AFSPA has granted to the unfortunate people of these states. The Government-appointed Jeevan Reddy committee had also demanded the repeal of the law. These are all facts. But these are not the grounds on which we appeal to you.

We appeal to you on a humanitarian basis. Sir, we are not from these states. But this cause does move us, for the reason that we are human beings. It is unimaginable and unacceptable to us the horror in which people of these states live. Every day is a struggle for them to save their life and honour. Sir, you know about the horrendous incidents of the Malom massacre where 11 innocent people including a 60 year old lady and a recipient of the Child Bravery award had died, the Kunan Poshpora incident of Kashmir wherein about 100 women were raped by army men, the Shopian case, the case of Manorama Devi but these are only few cases. There are everyday stories of torture. Everyday is a struggle to escape from the clutches of the army men. The landscape in these states is mapped by army check-points and camps which are impossible to pass without being interrogated. In Kashmir, failing to show the identity card can mean torture, rape or killing. But this does not mean that the house is a safe place. Any moment, the army men can come and raid the house. According to news reports and research reports (enclosed), during the search operations, there have been many reported and unreported cases of sexual assault and rape. The night is most dreadful as the armymen begin their search. In the name of searching for “millitants”, all they do is to raid into villages, break-open doors of any random house and identify the male in the house as a “suspect”. The widows of these “suspects” is also not able to get any state benefit meant for widows because their deceased husband are regarded as militants. We have enclosed several stories. According to a report entitled ‘Manipur: Memorandum on Extrajudicial Summary or Arbitrary Executions’ submitted by the Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights in Manipur and the UN to the UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Summary or Arbitrary Executions reported that 1528 people, including 31 women and 98 children were killed in fake encounters by security forces in Manipur between 1979 and May, 2012.

Sir, you had said that this is the issue of Government and the Government has to take action but Sir, they are clearly not bothered. The report of the Jeevan Reddy Committee had gone to the Government. The State Governments obviously know the situation but still no-one is ready to do anything. So then what? Where do the common people go? Isin’t it the responsibility of NHRC to protect their rights? It is a matter of right to life. Why can’t NHRC do anything? NHRC is an autonomous body. If even NHRC will not take any action, where will the people go? It is not acceptable that a certain section of the population should suffer to save the “integrity” of the nation. And which integrity, Sir? And more importantly, at what cost? The people who are suffering every day, are their lives not precious? are they not human beings? What is their fault? What was the fault of those 11 civilians who were shot dead only because the Assam rifles could not shoot down the militants? Their fault was that they were not privileged like you and me and were born in these states. This was their only fault. Sir, is it acceptable?

We are proud to say that our politics has so many women politicians. We are proud to dub it as “women empowerment” but what about the rapists in army uniform who rape our sisters in Kashmir and North East India. What about Asiya, Nilofar, Manorama Devi and thousands of women who have been raped. What about Irom Sharmila? For 12 years, the lady has been on a hunger-strike and no-one cares. She is accused of committing suicide but is that the case? The lady was not even a direct victim of AFSPA but she has sacrificed her life to repeal the cause because she has seen the horrors. Aren’t you sympathetic towards her? She could have got married, have kids, would have migrated to Delhi or to some other place but she did not do that. She is under house arrest in a hospital. Today, she can’t even talk properly. When she came to Delhi, even though we had only seen her in the photographs, we were traumatized to see her condition. Today, the lady can’t even walk. She has become so weak, yet she has not lost hope. Sir, we feel helpless as we write this letter because there is really nothing that we could do for her and for these people who are suffering only because they had a hard luck of being born in these states. They are no different from me or from anyone else in this country, then why do they have to suffer? A kashmiri youth had said that, “While you people grew up playing, we grew up seeing guns.” He also said that in Kashmir, there is an increasing no. of blind youths as the army men fire pellets into their eyes if they protest against any extra-judicial killing, murder or rape.

Is this inhumanity acceptable? Should we turn blind to their sufferings? Should we turn deaf to the screams and wails of mothers, widows and children? What about our own conscience?

As about the law, is this the way to “integrate” the nation? By torturing innocent people, destroying their lives, rendering them unemployed, how are we integrating the nation? As about the militants, is this the way to deal? The Government should open talks with them, instead of punishing the innocent people for the crimes of the militants. Torturing innocent people, depriving them of basic rights, underdevelopment are also causes that do encourage people to take up arms. The Government should think of “integration” in more positive and humane ways. NHRC must break its silence and speak out.

Sir, we request you to kindly respond and act strictly and immediately on this issue. Please take action through the following ways:

*Send a fact-finding team to all AFSPA-imposed states to investigate into the cases of violence and the affected everyday life of the people.

*The report of the team should be analysed and a document on the validity of the law on account of the human rights’ violation should be made. NHRC can atleast suggest on the basis of evidence.

*The report should be sent to the Government, to the judiciary and other authorities and demand an action. It is not about a law, it is about the lives of thousands of human beings.

Sir, we request you to please intervene to save the life and honour of the people of North East and Jammu & Kashmir. If NHRC will not take action, where will the people go? Please save their lives from this draconian law. Laws can’t be bigger than people.

Hoping for a positive and immediate response.

Thanking You

Regards,

Ravi Nitesh and Devika Mittal

Volunteers of Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign

* The open letter is being sent by Devika Mittal , contact info devikamittal31{at}gmail.com

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Call for End to Violence Against Women in Conflict Areas of India: Urges Government to Implement Justice Verma Recommendation on AFSPA

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Press Release/Brief Report Call for End to Violence Against Women in Conflict Areas of India: Urges Government to Implement Justice Verma Recommendation on AFSPA 2 Feb 2013,New Delhi: A round table discussion on the topic “Women, Peace and Security: Strategizing to … Continue reading →

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Press Release/Brief Report

Call for End to Violence Against Women in Conflict Areas of India: Urges Government to Implement Justice Verma Recommendation on AFSPA

2 Feb 2013,New Delhi: A round table discussion on the topic “Women, Peace and Security: Strategizing to End Violence Against Women in India” was held on 1 Feb at Control Arms Foundation of India in New Delhi.Meeting was held to discuss issue of women in conflict areas of India following Justice Verma recommendation on Armed Forces Special Powers Act as well as in solidarity with the One Billion Rising Global Campaign to stop all forms of violence against women. The event was organized by Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network,Control Arms Foundation of India and Northeast India Women Initiative for Peace.

Esteemed panelists included Mr Arvinn Gadgil, State Secretary/Deputy Minister of International Development of Norway; Mr Eivind S Homme,Ambassador, Royal Norwegian Embassy, New Delhi; Ms Binalakshmi Nepram, Founder, Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network; Ms Reecha Upadhyay an Independent Gender Consultant; Ms Lianboi Vaiphei, Lecturer, Indraprastha College for Women, Department of Political Science;Ms Chhaya Pravin, Purogami Mahila Sangathan, Ms Divya Vinod, National Secretary- Youth and Advocacy YMCA and Ms Rosalynn Lalawmpuii, Associate Programme Secretary, Community Development and Advocacy, YMCA and many others.

Ms Binalakshmi Nepram, Founder, Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network & Secretary General, Control Arms Foundation of India welcomed the guests and she threw light on five weeks of protests that rocked India following the Delhi gang rape of 16 December 2012. She talked about the role of civil society in engaging the conscience of the government, to use research and activism to negotiate within it to end violence against women and claiming democratic rights. She stated it was for the first time in India movement for women’s rights had caught the lime light. She added that despite activities of women’s group the previous 5 governments in 20 years responded little in strengthening position of women. However in the light of the historic Justive Verma Report, Nepram feels that the women’s movement is in a transformative moment adding that the next few days were going to shape the contours of the movement in claiming rights and space for women. She added in a place like Delhi where hardly any girl can risk venturing out after 8 o clock, the attempt to claim space for selves was to enable a future where women could move freely outside even 2 o clock at night.

She added, “What is new about the Report by Justice Verma is that for the first time the impact of AFSPA in North East and Kashmir has been mentioned. It’s quite revolutionary that national security is being equated with women’s security. The report also has discussed the scope for electoral reforms. It has enlisted state names of legislators charged with rape and possibility of asking political parties not to include them within the party.” Binalakshmi Nepram also added an example which reflects patriarchal mindsets, she described how the idea of a Lakshman Rekha taken from the epic of Ramayana is employed as an excuse to confine women and limit their mobility even 65 years after India’s independence

Mr Arvinn Gadgil described how he followed the change in mood of the country in his home country Norway regarding the protest of the recent gang rape of a young girl in Delhi citing that in the first 2-3 days most people didn’t take that seriously. He added that it was more of a relief than anger when it became clear that lot of people got up and took steps to bring about change in a manner quite unprecedented regarding the brutal incident later. He said that although the Lokpal agitation also united people that inspired specific political groups but tended to be divisive. The 16th December 2012 gang rape incident in Delhi inspired action and was reported all over the world. He also made the point that feminist movement need to be given specific law making recommendations. He added, “It is important for activist groups to have deep legal knowledge to be effective. The different groups also need to keep engaging with politicians to bring about effective policy changes.”He also feels that one reason why Verma report has included voices of so many people and groups was because of the power behind those voices. He also talked of his own experiences and how his parents taught him to be a feminist himself.

Commenting on the recent upsurge of women’s movement in India involving large numbers of people, he cautions groups involved to be aware of the inevitability of having to go through subsequent low phases. “Given how the feminist movement is so political it is bound to be wound up with conflicts and fractures”, he added. He hopes that groups working would have the humility to accept that and not let those divisions threaten the survival of the movement or cause itself.

Ambassador Eivind S Homme mentioned how the Norwegian Government had been following the events and movement following the Delhi gang rape case closely. “It is trying to see if it can contribute in any way or partner anyone’s efforts,” he added. He also remarked how women’s group should try and work with young upcoming politicians to create a dynamic synergy for the change to combat violence against women.

Ms Reecha Upadhyay noted how the tremendous sentiment invoked by the recent Delhi Gang rape adding that it had been difficult to account for people working within the women’s movement since gang rapes have frequently occurred without ever invoking such an outburst of outrage in the civil society or by the media. The swift functioning and incorporation of diverse voices in Justice Verma Report shows how a response can be can be elicited if civil society comes together strongly.”She said, “The One Billion Rising movement similarly attempts to give a voice to people seeking positive change to empower women. Its theme of strike, dance and rise has a resonating sentiment that seeks to seize the moment to bring change. Admittedly it may be an urban movement but there is still a need for voices to come out even in urban areas. There is a lot to be done; the need is to change people’s mind sets. After all the effectiveness of policy change is limited by social attitudes and tendencies. Ultimately the family is where attitudes are shaped. By focusing on using communication tools like social media, we are attempting to get people to think and change the language of gender inequality.”Her final point was that the movement against violence on women also needs to expand into issues relating to North east and Kashmir and be made part of larger movement

Ms Rosalynn Lalawmpuii mentioned the 85 local stations that YWCA group has been carrying on all over the country through for community peace building and safety. While emphasizing the 3 P’s – prevention, Protection and Provision? Rosylyn tells us that personally she thinks it is most important to focus on prevention to ensure that the next generation can live in an environment free of violence. “It is important to realize that violence on women also effect children equally. Home is a space where children male and female watch, emulate and adopt biases of their own parents. Therefore there is a need to raise awareness of the parents to make them sensitive to gender issues. They are working out pilot projects that seek to strategize ways to have impact on the 3 P’s especially prevention”, she added.

Ms Divya Vinod addressed that they works with churches and discusses issues relating to violence against women through this institution. She also added that they focus on rights of vulnerable groups like Dalits and Tribal women and their well being.

Ms Lianboi Vaiphei felt that this incident underscores the need for the government to revamp the system through which it is supposed to protect its citizens. For example Delhi despite being the national capital lacks a forensic lab which means that cases of rape or murder have to be examined in labs either in Chandigarh or Hyderabad. This adds to the further bureaucratization of this mechanism. Another issue that she highlighted was that of the recruitment policy of Delhi police in the context of the relationship of Delhi police and its inhabitants especially women who suffer from violence. In contrast to the highly cosmopolitan nature of the city which includes people from all parts of the country it is rather problematic that the recruitment process is limited to people from nearby regions which are arguably representative of the most patriarchal sets ups in India. She argues that their socialization within these patriarchal set up results in them not comprehending the restrictions imposed on women and lack much sympathy towards victims of violence. To instantiate the some Delhi police officer’s in response to women being harassed in public tend to lay blame on the women themselves often retorting by asking questions like why these women were out so late at night. She feels that by recruiting people from all parts of the country to serve Delhi police we will have a force more reflective of the cosmopolitan nature of the city itself and that this maybe a good way to change mindsets.

Ms Chhaya Pravin narrated a painful incident of how a girl was gang raped in Okhla adding that due to lack of clean accessible toilet facility she had gone out in the open space, being raped in the process. She added that even in New Delhi the Government did not provide adequate basic amenities facilities like washrooms and toilet for women. She also strongly objected to the violence perpetrated on women in Northeast and Kashmir, being all the while shielded by acts like AFSPA. Adding that government deliberately did not talk about those issues. MS Chayya also argues that given the current state of affairs India requires simultaneous change in every sphere, adding hopefully that they were in the threshold of change and role of people and youth especially in coming out to protest was symptomatic of it. She added that women and civil society needed to work together identify collective strength and formulate strategies to end violence against women.

A short three minute, powerful film was screened at the event as a support in solidarity the One Billion Rising Global Campaign to stop all forms of violence agaists women.The event was participated by young students and scholars from Delhi Univerity, Jamia, IGNOU and women activists representing SANGAT, friends and well wishers. Royal Norwegian Embassy Second Secretary Ms Kristin Brodtkorb Traavik, Mr Petter W Tollefsen and Senior Advisor, Ms Renu Wadehra also participated the event.

For more information, please contact

Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network and Control Arms Foundation of India

Email: Binalakshmi@gmail.com/cafi.communique@gmail.com

Address for correspondence: B 5/146, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi-110029, India. Phone: +9-11-46018541 Fax: +91-11-26166234. Website:www.cafi-online.org www.womensurvivorsnetwork.org & http://neiwip.blogspot.com/

Photos of the event:

* The press release is sent by Majaiangom, Contact Info <majaicafi{at}gmail.com>

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Women, Peace and Security: Strategizing to End Violence Against Women in India

The post Women, Peace and Security: Strategizing to End Violence Against Women in India appeared first on KanglaOnline.com.

Women, Peace and Security: Strategizing to End Violence Against Women in India New Delhi, 1 Billion Rising campaign states, “One in three women on the planet will be raped or beaten in her lifetime”. In India, according to National Crime … Continue reading →

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Women, Peace and Security: Strategizing to End Violence Against Women in India

New Delhi, 1 Billion Rising campaign states, “One in three women on the planet will be raped or beaten in her lifetime”. In India, according to National Crime Record Bureau in 2011, 14.7% rape cases are registered in cities while 85% rape cases are registered in rural India; there are more than 1 lakh rape cases pending; a total of 2, 28,650 women faced violence and abuse during 2007-2011 which includes rape, kidnapping, abduction, dowry death, cruelty by husbands and relatives, molestation, sexual harassment, importation of girls, immoral traffic etc. and the National capital Delhi has the highest percentage of crime rates against women which is 31.2%.

Women, Peace and Security: Strategizing to End Violence Against Women in India

In Northeast India, a total of 13,308 incidence of crime against women had been reported according to the National Crime Records Bureau 2011 with 11503 cases in Assam, 269 cases in Meghalaya, 1358 cases in Tripura, 167 cases in Mizoram, 247 cases in Manipur, 38 cases in Nagaland, 171 cases in Arunachal Pradesh and 55 cases reported in Sikkim. Not only in their states, Northeast Indian women are also prone and are vulnerable in metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore etc as violence and crimes happened to them such as rape, molestation, sexual harassment as frequently reported at the National media.

The panel, Justice J S Verma Commission that was set up in response to public outcry over the brutal gang rape and murder of a 23 year old woman on 16 December 2012, of a young woman has delivered its report outlining recommendations on how to tackle gender violence in the largely patriarchal country. The committee suggest key recommendations to tackle increasing violence against women in India that includes key recommendations such as to amend rape laws in India, to make to make gender sensitization through education, electoral reforms, police reforms , to monitor illegal patriarchal village council etc .Taking strong cognizance of sexual offences committed by armed forces personnel in conflict zones, Justice J S Verma committee report has not only recommended amendments to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) but even questioned its continuance in such areas.

Gender equality is, first and foremost, a human right. Women are entitled to live in dignity and in freedom from want and from fear. Empowering women is also an indispensable tool for advancing development and reducing poverty. In order to find strategies for change at this crucial time, we are hosting a round table discussion meeting on “Women, Peace and Security: Strategizing to End Violence Against Women in India” on Friday, 1 Feb at 2pm to 4 pm at the Conference Room , Control Arms Foundation of India , B 5/146, First Floor, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi 110029.

Eminent panelist of the event will include Mr Arvinn Gadgil, State Secretary from the Norwegian Ministry of Development; Ms Reecha Upadhyay, Independent Gender Consultant; Ms Nandini Rao, Delhi-based activist with the Citizens’ Collective Against Sexual Assault Representations from YWCA; Ms Monica Banerjee, Senior Programme Officer, National Foundation for India, Dr Deepa Ahluwalia: Sr. Project Advisor, National Mission for Empowerment of Women and Ms Binalakshmi Nepram Founder, Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network & Secretary General, Control Arms Foundation of India amongst others. The panel will discuss issues and to strategize ways to end violence against women in India.

For more details contact :

Office of Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network
B 5/146 First Floor, Safdarjung Enclave
New Delhi 110029

Email : cafi.communique@gmail.com

Website: www.womensurvivorsnetwork.org

* The announcement is being sent by Sujata RK, contact info sujata.rk3{at}gmail.com

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Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign meets NHRC Chairman

The post Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign meets NHRC Chairman appeared first on KanglaOnline.com.Press Release Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign volunteers meet the NHRC Chairperson on 31st July 2012 Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC) is a nat…

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Press Release Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign volunteers meet the NHRC Chairperson on 31st July 2012 Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC) is a nationwide protest against the neglect and suppression of Irom Sharmila. SSSC supports Irom Sharmila on democratic and humanitarian … Continue reading →

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Plight of Pride in Making History

The post Plight of Pride in Making History appeared first on KanglaOnline.com. By M C Arun Plight of Pride in Making History “National pride is related to feelings of patriotism and nationalism. Patriotism is love of one’s country or dedica…

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By M C Arun Plight of Pride in Making History “National pride is related to feelings of patriotism and nationalism. Patriotism is love of one’s country or dedicated allegiance to same, while nationalism is a strong national devotion that … Continue reading →

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Interaction Program on ILPS and Militarisation in Manipur: MSAD

The post Interaction Program on ILPS and Militarisation in Manipur: MSAD appeared first on KanglaOnline.com.PRESS RELEASE Manipur Students Association, Delhi- Interaction Program on: Militarisation in Manipur and The ongoing movement for implem…

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PRESS RELEASE Manipur Students Association, Delhi- Interaction Program on: Militarisation in Manipur and The ongoing movement for implementation of Inner Line Permit System in Manipur. Minutes and Decision 15th July 2012 An interaction program was organized today, i.e., Sunday, 15th … Continue reading →

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AFSPA – the biggest impediment to peace

The post AFSPA – the biggest impediment to peace appeared first on KanglaOnline.com.By R N Ravi Strife- torn North-East, home to countless ethnic insurgencies, stares at the Republic of India as a moral question mark. While the state and n…

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By R N Ravi Strife- torn North-East, home to countless ethnic insurgencies, stares at the Republic of India as a moral question mark. While the state and non-state agents of violence are mutually engaged in a relationship ranging from active conflict … Continue reading →

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PETITION FOR IROM SHARMILA

11 DAYS, 11000 PETITIONS for 11 YEARS 10JULY-20JULY In an another step towards raising voice in favor of Irom Sharmila, Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC) has started an online petition drive from July 10 2012. Volunteers of the campaign &…

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Protecting children in conflict situations

By Suhas Chakma From 18th to 20th May 2012, a team of the National… more »

By Suhas Chakma
From 18th to 20th May 2012, a team of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) will be visiting Manipur for investigation into alleged encounter deaths of children in the State. This is one of the most significant steps taken by the NCPCR under the leadership of Chairperson Dr Shanta Sinha to address the gaps in the implementation of the juvenile justice in the areas afflicted by internal armed conflicts.

Manipur is emblematic of the absence of juvenile justice in the conflict affected areas. The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) remains in force in the State but when the AFSPA was enacted in 1958, there were no juvenile justice laws. Consequently, the AFSPA does not differentiate between children and adults. For effective purposes, the armed forces treat the juveniles as adult. In the entire discourse on the AFSPA, the need for special protection of children has not been addressed adequately.

It is universally accepted that on matters relating to children, specific laws relating to children shall prevail. This overriding principle is set out in article 3(1) of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child which provides that “in all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration”.

Indian judiciary too has recognised the supremacy of the Juvenile Justice (Protection and Care of Children) Act, 2000 over all other Acts including on the Prevention of Terrorism Act of 2002. The Madras High Court in the case of the arrest of G. Prabhakaran (15 years) under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002 upheld the supremacy of the Juvenile Justice Act. The Madras High Court while dismissing the trial of Prabhakaran under the POTA stated “The rights of a child are an integral part of human rights, yet the protagonists of human rights hardly ever focus their attention on the exploitation and abuse of the rights of children. ….The POTA court, in the present case, has exceeded its jurisdiction and trespassed into another territory and the mischief has to be undone.’’

In Manipur, children have been consistently arrested, detained and tortured. In many cases, they have also become victims of extrajudicial executions or encounter killings. ACHR has regularly been intervening in a number of cases and it shares two specific cases which have been concluded.

On 13 July 2003, three children namely Kamkholal Haokip (17 years) and his younger brother Sumkhosat Haokip and Satkholun Haokip (15 years) were killed by the Assam Rifles personnel in an alleged encounter at Sipijang area under Senapati district. The Assam Rifles claimed that all the three children were hardcore members of the Kuki National Front. However, the villagers stated that the Assam Rifles had an encounter with the militants following which they cordoned off the four villages – Gelbung, G-Solung, Matjong Thangbu and L Khumnom and called out about 50 youths from their respective homes at about 3.30 am. All the 50 youths were taken to the playground at Gelbung village. Later on at about 6.30 am, three children were picked out from the group while the rest were told to go home. As the rest were on their way home, they heard loud gunfire shots. Later the Assam Rifles personnel called out another 12 youths from the villages and told them to carry away the bodies of the three youths which bore multiple bullet injuries. Kamkholal Haokip was a Class X student of Salem Higher Secondary School while Sumkhosat and Satkholun were employed in a hotel at Imphal. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) intervened following a complaint filed by ACHR but let off the Assam Rifles solely based on a “No Objection Certificate” forcibly taken from the villagers certifying that they were not harassed by the Assam Rifles!

However, the Assam Rifles could not hide with respect to alleged encounter killing of Saikhom Samungou (20 years), Sanasam Ngongo Meitei (15 years) and Thiyam Sunder (23 years) on 11 January 2005 under Yairipok Police Station in Thoubal district. A Press Information Bureau (PIB) Defence Wing handout claimed that all of them were cadres of the banned United National Liberation Front. However, the villagers claimed that Saikhom Samungou and Sanasam Ngongo Meitei were students. The police in its report to the NHRC following a complaint from ACHR stated that while Thiyam Sunder was a hardcore member of the UNLF, Sanasam Ngongo Meitei and Saikhom Samungou Singh were “innocent civilians”. The Ministry of Defence also admitted that Meitei and Singh were civilians but it continued to refer all the three as “militants” and “terrorists” in its report dated 13 June 2006 to the NHRC. The NHRC in its order dated 31 August 2007 directed to pay Rs 100,000 to each of the next of kin of the deceased but under what circumstances Meitei, a juvenile, was killed remained unexplained.

In all the conflict affected areas, arrest, detention, torture, sexual abuse and encounter killings are rampant. There is little knowledge about the Juvenile Justice (Protection and Care of Children) Act, 2000 amongst the law enforcement personnel in conflict situations. The institutions defined under the Juvenile Justice (Protection and Care of Children) Act, 2000 such as Juvenile Justice Boards, Child Welfare Committees, Juveniles Homes, Juvenile Special Police Units etc do not exist in the disturbed areas/conflict situations. And large parts of the country are indeed affected by armed conflicts. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, 21 out of 28 States are affected by internal armed conflicts. These includes Jammu and Kashmir, seven northeastern States and 13 Naxalite affected States of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.

In order to address the gaps for administration of juvenile justice in conflict affected areas, there is a need to adopt “Standard Operating Procedures” that the security forces must comply. Further, the institutions of juvenile justice ought to be made functional. Otherwise, children living in conflict affected areas will be deprived of what is provided to children in rest of the country.

AR apprehends two UG cadres (kanglaonline.com)
Manfete 2012 (kanglaonline.com)
Wreath laying ceremony on Assam Rifles Day (kanglaonline.com)
AFSPA as I see it – Wg Cdr G Baruah (Retd) V/s Truth & Abstract of Lie (kanglaonline.com)
2 nabbed with arms (kanglaonline.com)
30th Battalion The Assam Rifles (Rising Sun Battalion) (kanglaonline.com)
AR organizes pulse polio immunization program (kanglaonline.com)

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/05/protecting-children-in-conflict-situations/

Lifting Afspa not feasible, military chiefs tell Antony

Shishir Gupta, Hindustan Times ,New Delhi, May 08, 2012 The Chiefs of Staff Committee… more »

Arackaparambil Kurien Antony – Defence Minister of India

Shishir Gupta, Hindustan Times ,New Delhi, May 08, 2012

The Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) has conveyed to defence minister AK Antony that partial lifting of the (Afspa) at Srinagar, Ganderbal, Budgam, Jammu and Kathua was not feasible as it would give terrorists an opportunity to target its communications and logistics line to Leh sector and the forward areas on the Line of Contol (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

During a meeting between the three armed forces chiefs, Antony and national security advisor SS Menon at South Block in April-end, the armed forces said lifting of Afspa would release the pressure on around 300-350 terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. They said the move would be counter-productive in the present scenario, with 42 terrorists camp still active in PoK, and around 2,000-2,500 terrorists awaiting their chance to enter the country and build up strength across the LoC.

After hearing the chiefs out, Antony made it known that no decision on lifting Afspa would be made without taking the forces on board. However, home minister P Chidambaram and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah are in favour of lifting Afspa from the five districts in the state, and have already executed a plan to remove 54 paramilitary bunkers from Srinagar as part of confidence-building measures.

* Image Credit: Wikipedia

** Click for detail

Irom Sharmila Chanu Completes 11 Years Of Fast

Imphal, November 5: Sharmila’s fast completes 11years, day-long fasts, sit-in-protests held across the country in solidarity. Sharmila has been fasting for the last 11 years demanding repeal of…

Read the full article and articles like this at…

Imphal, November 5: Sharmila’s fast completes 11years, day-long fasts, sit-in-protests held across the country in solidarity. Sharmila has been fasting for the last 11 years demanding repeal of…

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Films On Irom Sharmila Chanu Screened

IMPHAL, Nov 4 : Five different documentary films based on Sharmila’s struggle against AFSPA were screened today in the auditorium of Mayum Media and Communications which produced the films. The…

Read the full article and articles like this at man…

IMPHAL, Nov 4 : Five different documentary films based on Sharmila’s struggle against AFSPA were screened today in the auditorium of Mayum Media and Communications which produced the films. The…

Read the full article and articles like this at manipurhub.com

Read more / Original news source: http://manipurhub.com/news-manipur/films-on-irom-sharmila-chanu-screened/

Call For Commission And Ommission For A Better Manipur

by Neken Singh Seram Communal hatred and human right violations are the dual… more »

If housed under the same roof, even the cats and dogs become intimate friends. When the peoples of hills and valley live together, share their problems, grief, prospects and gaiety; there will be emotional integration among the varied and numerous ethnic groups of Manipur. The Manipur Land Revenue & Land Reform Act, 1960 (MLR & LR Act, 1960) enacted by Parliament to consolidate and amend the law relating to land revenue in the State of Manipur and to provide certain measures of land reform has affected the peaceful co-existence, since the act is excluding the hill areas of the State. Moreover, the antagonism of the people residing at far-off hill areas towards the mainland dwellers has become more and more widened due to lack of road connectivity and physical progress. Even though huge amounts have been pumped in to improve connectivity and infrastructure at the remote hill areas of the state through schemes like Prime Minister’s Gram Sadak Yojana, real development hardly reaches the targeted locations and intended beneficiaries as a few well-to-do people ranging from high profile contractors to politicians remain reaping the fruits. Thus, people at the edge feel excluded from the mainland. At this juncture, it is highly necessary to allow the valley people to settle in hill areas to bring about emotional integration.

by Neken Singh Seram

Communal hatred and human right violations are the dual tribulations bothering the smooth sail of Manipur society today. In the name of insurgency as well as counter insurgency operations, innumerable numbers of innocent human beings have been killed, rendered disabled for life or made to disappear. Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 has been manifesting itself as a notorious challenge to secured existence of natives of this land. The Act which is completely in contradiction to democratic values has been in force in Manipur. Side by side, there has been a strong wedge among communities created by the non-extension of Manipur Land Revenue and land Reforms Act. in the hill areas. It is now questionable why the AFSPA is still not removed from this state, even if it is claimed by the Congress regime that law and order situation of the state has considerably been improved. It is also worthy of discussion why the valley residents of the state are not allowed to settle in the hill areas in spite of the tall verbatim for emotional, cultural and social integration between the hills and the valley. Removal of AFSPA and extension of MLR&LR Act in hills are the issues needing urgent attention so as to bring about security of life and peaceful co-existence among the varied groups of people in the long run.

“When a dog bites a man, that is not news. But if a man bites a dog, that is news.” This great saying by the legendary journalist John B. Bogart serves as the most convincing definition of news to journalism students. However, news reporters and publishers shall always remember their responsibilities of involving in socio-human issues concerning the people in democracies. The national newspaper The Telegraph recently published a news report regarding Sharmila’s personal love story which even led the Manipuri civil society to boycott the newspaper for irresponsibility. It is now questionable – which is more newsy between Sharmila fasting for 11 years for love of humanity and the same lady speaking out her personal moments in romance ? The Telegraph dwelled only on the awkward part of Sharmila’s decade-old movement and seemed to forget the endurance and toil during the whole process. It was also at a time when ‘Save Sharmila Campaigns’ to enliven her protest movement were being planned from across the nation. It is highly skeptical whether the media organisation was intentional towards sabotaging the Sharmila’s non-violent movement or some hidden-elements have maneuvered tactics for that end.

Universally, the Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 is inhumane and openly violates human rights. It is even more irrelevant in the context of Indian democracy, where fundamental right to life occupies the main aspect of its constitution. Certain provisions of the Act have allowed the security forces to kill innocent human beings out of suspicion. To enforce such an act in Manipur is highly irrational. It is high time the union government paid urgent attention towards the strongest ever protest by the non-violent striker Irom Chanu Sharmila and created a healthy platform for talks with the iron lady in the interest of humanity.

In the name of counter insurgency, innumerable numbers of youths of the state were killed after arrests, forced to disappear after pick-up by the security or to become psychologically and physically disturbed for life. We had seen widespread agitations in the state when a 15-year-old innocent student Yumlembam Sanamacha from Yairipok Angtha was forced to disappear after arrest by the security years back. In similar case, Laishram Bijoykumar Singh, a student leader also never returned home from the hands of security personnel. We may also recall the cases of Chandam Chaoba of Pukhao Terapur, Lokendro and Loken of Khongman and Pebiya Pandit Leikai who were forced to disappear in custody. The RIMS massacre, Heirangoithong incident, Malom and Oinam incidents etc. were epoch-making happenings where security forces put to end innocent civilians. None will never forget the Thangjam Manorama murder episode in July 2004 which even led to the infamous nude protest by Manipuri women in front of the sacred Kangla and to the self-immolation of student activist Chitaranjan. There were also extrajudicial executions after arrests and tragic stories told by those escaped from security camps regarding the destructive motive of security forces.

Besides upholding human rights and dignity of the people, Manipur needs an enabling environment where innumerable number of varied ethnic communities may live together in peace and co-operation. The Manipur Land Revenue & Land Reform Act, 1960 (MLR & LR Act, 1960) enacted by Parliament to bring about uniformity in distribution of land throughout the State is excluding the hill areas of the State. There is a special protective provision of the Act on the transfer of land belonging to a tribal to non-tribal. Section 158 says, “No transfer of land by a person who is a member of Scheduled tribes shall be valid, unless the transfer is to another member of Schedule tribes or is by way of mortgage to a co-operative society.”

Moreover, the antagonism of the people residing at far-off hill areas towards the mainland dwellers has become more and more widened due to lack of road connectivity and physical progress. Even though huge amounts have been pumped in to improve connectivity and infrastructure at the remote hill areas of the state, real development hardly reaches the targeted locations and intended beneficiaries as a few well-to-do people ranging from high profile contractors to politicians remain reaping the fruits. Thus, people at the edge feel excluded from the mainland. So it is highly necessary at this juncture to allow the valley people to settle in hill areas to bring about emotional integration. If the people of the valley areas are allowed to settle in the hill areas, then there would be inter-mingling of populations among ethnic groups. Their problems and prospects would well be shared among them. Emotional integration would not be a far cry in such a situation. So why not the land revenue and land reforms act is extended to the hills ?
(The writer is a free lance Journalist)

PRESS RELEASE: PROTEST AGAINST RAMBAN (J&K) KILLING AT JANTAR MANTAR

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