Intellectuals of Manipur, who participated as resource persons in a one-day consultation on prospect of peace and withdrawal of the "Disturbed Area status" under AFSPA, organised by Manipur Human Rights Commission on Saturday at Classic Grande, opined that before approaching for withdrawal of AFSPA from the state, the state’s internal conflict should be resolved first.
Briefing about the programme, acting chairperson of MHRC Khaidem Mani said that, in response to a recommendation issued by the MHRC to state, the commission received a report from government of Manipur justifying the extension of AFSPA in the state on the ground of continued existence of insurgency in Manipur. On further perusal and examination of the report, it is ex-facie clear that AFSPA has been extended in the state for one year with retrospective effect from December 1, 2021, he said.
The commission felt the need for the state government to find out appropriate ways and means in consultation with all stakeholders and seek suggestions and views of all to encourage the government to make an honest attempt in bringing peace in the state. Based on the recent extension of ‘disturb area status’ under AFSPA in the state excluding Imphal area by the government, the commission initiated a suo-motu proceeding on January 12, 2022, directing the registry to organise a consultation by inviting all stakeholders including government of Manipur, the acting chairman of MHRC informed.
Associate professor of JNU, Bimol Koijam. explaining about the act, suggested approaching it lawfully. Since 2007, every political party has given importance to repealing the act and hence, there is no point in repealing the act on their manifesto. The government will not repeal or withdraw the act until and unless people are in serious agitation, he said.
Senior journalist Pradip Phanjoubam said that the problem erupted post-colonial and the issues or problems have been kept as an internal problem of the state. He said that the law can be modified from time to time.
However, he is still confused as to why the state government extended the disturbance area in the state. He put up various questions about whether the practice of law is false or whether we stop without acting to remove the act while we are going to die and if the law is an exceptional mechanism to resolve insurgent problems, then why it is not resolving.
Former VC of Manipur University, Amar Yumnam said that the act never evolved from the constitution of India. The act violates constitutional-political-economical rights of citizens. The wellbeing of the state is being decided by somebody else, not by the state people. The constitution, made for equality and liberty establishment, has become for the state government’s decision only. The act is being applied upon people and violates the decision of the people, he added.
Wing Manipur member, Nonibala Narengbam pointed out that the patriarchal system faced by women has been overwhelmed by the draconian act. Participation of women has become to face issues, problems or fight in front but not for decision making. To remove or revolve or repeal the act, a collective fight is necessary, she said.
United NGO Mission Manipur U Nobokishor said that the people of the state have been fighting against the act for years. A long year’s plan and policy according to the best strategy is required to repeal the act, he added.
As resource persons, coordinator of PINE and visiting faculty at NEISSR, Nagaland, Deben Bachaspatimayum; lecture of Rayburn College, Ronica Vungmuankim; HRLN director Rakesh Meihoubam also spoke on the issue.
Acting chairperson of MHRC Khaidem Mani said that the risk of talking with the insurgency group of Manipur will be taken by the commission. The state government is governed by an inhuman, namesake government and people of the state should push together to repeal or revoke the act, he said.
