Ravi Nitesh My long association with Sharmila has always supported me in struggles of my life, personal, professional and political. Sharmila is not just an icon for me for her 16 years of hunger strike, instead a little closer, as a person, as a human being with whom I received lots of inspiration. Being a […]
Ravi Nitesh My long association with Sharmila has always supported me in struggles of my life, personal, professional and political. Sharmila is not just an icon for me for her 16 years of hunger strike, instead a little closer, as a person, as a human being with whom I received lots of inspiration. Being a […]
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2017/03/prja-alternative-politics-and-manipur/
The Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign, which was started in the year 2009 and was working for repeal of AFSPA through highlighting struggle of Irom Sharmila and to spread voice of Irom Sharmila throughout the country has decided to dissolve itself, informed a statement of the campaign. It said the campaign was started with the fact […]
The Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign, which was started in the year 2009 and was working for repeal of AFSPA through highlighting struggle of Irom Sharmila and to spread voice of Irom Sharmila throughout the country has decided to dissolve itself, informed a statement of the campaign. It said the campaign was started with the fact […]
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2016/10/save-sharmila-solidarity-campaign-dissolved/
Press release: 5th August 2015 Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC) welcomes the decision of peace accord between Govt and NSCN (IM). By this historic peace accord, there are many signals
Press release: 5th August 2015
Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC) welcomes the decision of peace accord between Govt and NSCN (IM). By this historic peace accord, there are many signals from the side of the government, first of all it conveys the importance of peace and the commitment for development in North East states where the Prime Minister himself was present during peace accord with NSCN(IM) leaders.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/government-is-not-serious-about-permanent-peace-sssc/
PRESS RELEASE Irom Sharmila appeared before the metropolitan magistrate Akash Jain in the Patiala session court of Delhi on 5th and 6th June 2015. The Court was required to record statements of
PRESS RELEASE
Irom Sharmila appeared before the metropolitan magistrate Akash Jain in the Patiala session court of Delhi on 5th and 6th June 2015. The Court was required to record statements of the witnesses that included the doctors along with another person who had recorded the protest of Jantar Mantar when Irom Sharmila was in Delhi in 2006.
In this case, the Delhi police had lodged FIR upon Irom Sharmila under section 309 of “Attempt to suicide’. Now as doctors did not come, the next date was given by the court with the hope that it will be the final hearing.
Save sharmila solidarity campaign (SSSC) members accompanied Irom Sharmila in the Court and were present in the court in solidarity. Campaign observed that though it was a judicial requirement, but such kind of hearings are mere unnecessarily harassment on the name of section 309 upon a human rights activist. It is a clear contradiction in Irom Sharmila’s case as while she is fighting for right to life, she is being charged with the allegation of taking away the right to life.
It is also observed that despite Irom Sharmila’s desire to meet Prime minister of India, prime minister Office have not called for any meeting yet. It is her demand since long time that she is hopeful with democracy and she wants to meet Prime minister. Save Sharmila Soldarity Campaign believes that not calling a meeting with her is actually a denial of state to meet this crusader of non-violence. It is a time when Irom Sharmila has global supporters to raise voice for her cause, but despite all efforts and unparalleled sacrifice and struggle, Indian state is continuously ignoring and suppressing her. It is unfortunate that the government is giving priority of talks with those who are adopting violent ways, but it is continuously ignoring the non-violence.
Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign is already involved in campaigning and will increase its activities from coming months to spread awareness and to advocate for the cause of Irom Sharmila.
SSSC also condemns the Manipur attack and the questioning of demand of repeal of AFSPA. It was reported and SSSC reiterates the statement of Irom Sharmila who had condemned the Manipur attack. She regarded the killing of soldiers to be shocking and shameful. She has always condemned killing which is the reason for her protest. She regards killing, no matter by whom, as shameful and unacceptable. She had also said that this incident happened in a region which is under full control of AFSPA but still it happened. It shows that AFSPA has not been the solution.
SSSC agrees and fully supports her view. SSSC feels that such attacks are also failure of state itself as it seems that state has not even capable of protecting its own functionaries. Also, the fact remains that the common people are the sufferers of atrocities of both the state and anti-state groups. Through AFSPA, the state has been involved in performing extreme atrocities upon common people in past. SSSC believes that imposing hard laws like AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) in civil areas are of no use and it has been used against people widely. There must be a strategy to remove AFSPA from all areas of North East and J&K as without it confidence building cannot be done. AFSPA is a failed law and it must go.
Press Release issued by
Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign
http://repealafspa.blogspot.in
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/irom-sharmilas-court-appearance-insensitivity-of-state/
IMPHAL, June 4: Anti-AFSPA crusader Irom Chanu Sharmila was flown to the national capital to make an appearance at Patiala House Court today. She was accompanied by a doctor, two
Irom sharmila
IMPHAL, June 4: Anti-AFSPA crusader Irom Chanu Sharmila was flown to the national capital to make an appearance at Patiala House Court today.
She was accompanied by a doctor, two nurses, an assistant jailer, a lady warden, a sub inspector and a constable.
Sharmila along with her team boarded the 9:45 am Indigo flight at the Tulihal Airport.
Speaking to media persons before leaving the JNIMS compound where she is placed in a special cell under judicial custody, Sharmila said AFSPA has already been lifted from Tripura, because the government there is sensitive to the desire of the public and works for them.
Whereas in Manipur, the government is more of a commercial polity, she said.
Sharmila also charged the government of benefiting several crores of funds in the name of anti-terrorism.
Voicing her concern against the AFSPA, Sharmila said after Manipur`™s forced merger to the Indian Union, the Constitution of India in an effort to control the small State seems to have given `Licence to Kill`™ even to the junior security personnel.
She further lamented that she was denied a meeting with the Home Minister on the ground that she was a judicial under trial.
Sharmila said there has been multiple amendments to the Constitution of India, then why can`™t it be amended one more time to address the issue of atrocities committed by the IOF in the smaller States like Manipur.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/sharmila-flown-to-delhi-for-court-appearance/
IMPHAL, June 3: Sharmila Kanba Lup (SAKAL) staged a protest demonstration against the failure of the State government to repeal the draconian Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA), 1958 today.
SAKAL member shouting slogans demanding repeal of AFSPA.
IMPHAL, June 3: Sharmila Kanba Lup (SAKAL) staged a protest demonstration against the failure of the State government to repeal the draconian Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA), 1958 today.
The demonstration was held at the temporary shed of the organization located at Porompat, Imphal East today.
Speaking to newspersons on the sidelines of the protest, convenor of SAKAL S Momon Leima reiterated that the controversial AFSPA had been lifted from the State of Tripura recently taking into account of the suffering and violation meted out to its indigenous community under the cover of the act.
She lamented that the same act has not been lifted from Manipur despite mass public outcry over the demand for repeal of the act from the state at the earliest.
The state government should follow the suit adopted by Tripura to repeal the draconian act as it will be too late to wait call of the Central Government to do the needful, she observed.
Ima Momon said that it was a glory for the Tripura that the draconian AFSPA was lifted from its soil.
There had been many incidents of picking up of youths, murder and disappearance of innocents by security forces in the name of counter insurgency. Also, many innocent people have been victimized by levelling anti-national charge, the convenor of SAKAL pointed out.
She continued asking that whether the 60 MLAs including Chief Minister O Ibobi should remain mute spectators to the atrocities committed by security forces under the shade of AFSPA.
Pledging that SAKAL along with public will launch different forms of intense agitation if the government remains silent over the collective demand for repeal of AFSPA; she cautioned that any untoward incident arises thereof should be borne solely by the government.
During the protest demonstration, members of SAKAL shouted slogans in connection with repeal of AFSPA from the state at the earliest.
Mention may be made that AFSPA was promulgated in the state of Tripura since February 16, 1997. The demand for withdrawal of such act persuaded at various levels at which the Chief Minister of Tripura Manik Sarkar remarked that `We could not take a decision because the security forces did not clear it`. He was saying this on the announcement day of lifting AFSPA from Tripura on May 27, 2015.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/sakal-questions-govts-commitment-to-repeal-afspa/
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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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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
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The post An open letter to NHRC to intervene in cases of human rights violation in J&K and North East appeared first on KanglaOnline.com.
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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The post An open letter to NHRC to intervene in cases of human rights violation in J&K and North East appeared first on KanglaOnline.com.
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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Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2013/05/an-open-letter-to-nhrc-to-intervene-in-cases-of-human-rights-violation-in-jk-and-north-east/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=an-open-letter-to-nhrc-to-intervene-in-cases-of-human-rights-violation-in-jk-and-north-east
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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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 &…
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 … Continue reading
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Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/07/petition-for-irom-sharmila/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=petition-for-irom-sharmila
