Guwahati: Hundreds of people violated curfew on Monday and took part in a protest march organized by civil society organization In Imphal East, Manipur, the Centre’s decision to re-impose AFSPA in areas under six police stations of five districts was challenged.
The protesters also expressed anger over the recent abduction and killing of six Meitei women and children in Jiribam by suspected Kuki militants on November 11.
The Manipur government has extended the suspension of mobile internet services in several districts, including Imphal East, Imphal West and Jiribam, citing concerns over possible unrest. This suspension will remain in place till Wednesday evening.
The re-implementation of AFSPA on November 14 sparked widespread discontent. The 1958 law gives special powers to soldiers during counter-insurgency/terrorism operations.
AFSPA has been the center of several public protests in Manipur over the past few years, with many residents and activists terming it draconian and accusing it of promoting human rights abuses.
Organized by local clubs and Mira Pabis (women’s protector), participants in Monday’s protest held placards with slogans like “Remove AFSPA from the state”, “Stop imposing draconian laws” and “Stop killing of women and children”. . ,
The protesters said they are dissatisfied with the Centre’s handling of the ongoing conflict and fear that bringing back AFSPA will worsen the situation.
The communal violence that erupted since May 3 last year has claimed more than 250 lives and displaced nearly 60,000, creating a deep divide between the Kuki-Zo tribal communities in the hill districts and the Meitei population in the Imphal Valley.