IMPHAL, Oct 12: The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom has accused the Government of
India that the latter had failed to advance human rights and justice when it did not accept the recommendations of the
UN Human Rights Council to repeal the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) still in force today in the North
East of India.
The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) expresses its grave concerns about the
non-acceptance by India of “this critical” demand during the Universal Periodic Review Report of India on September
20 2012.
It then stated that in solidarity with all those affected by the AFSPA, the League calls on the government of India to
repeal the AFSPA immediately. Such action would contribute to ending impunity and reduce oppression and
violence in the region, it added.
The Armed Forces Special Act continues to increase militarisation in the North East, augment impunity and facilitate
human rights abuse including rape and other forms of torture, forced disappearances, and killing of civilians. The
provision of the AFSPA, which enable arrests without warrants, and firing upon civilians to kill, violate international
law and human rights. Furthermore, the AFSPA provision providing legal immunity for all actions of Indian army
officers create a culture of injustice and impunity. Lack of accountability for crimes fails victims and leaves
individuals and families without any form of redress, it rues.
“Our WILPF Section of India supports the efforts of peace groups in the North East and particularly Ms Irom
Sharmila in combating this military regime. Ms (Irom) Sharmila started her hunger strike in 2000 in protest of the
AFSPA and each year is taken into custody and force-fed but her message remains clear that the effects and impacts
of the illegal AFSPA must not be silenced,” the women’s league expressed.
The UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions, said during his visit to India in March
2012, the AFSPA is a ‘ hated ‘ and ‘Draconian’ law, which has become ‘a symbol of excessive State power’ and it ‘has
no role to play in a democracy’ and ‘clearly violates International Law’. Given this remarks, WILPF calls on all actors in
the international community to support the calls to repeal the AFSPA as a matter of urgency, the League appeals.
“Finally, we send our messages of solidarity to all affected by the AFSPA as they continue to struggle for justice,
equality and peace. The Government of India must respond to the demands to repeal the AFSPA,” the Women’s
International League for Peace and Freedom urged.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/womens-league-demand-protection-of-human-rights/
