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Campaign against Militarization, Impunity and Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958
On the Eve of Republic Day
25th January 2008
On July 15 2004, for the first time in its history, India witnessed an unusual and chilling protest: About a dozen women disrobed themselves in front of the (then) headquarters of the 17 Assam Rifles headquarters at the Kangla fort camp in the city centre of Imphal, shouting slogans and carrying a banner which said, 'Indian Army - Rape Us.' They were protesting against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 (AFSPA, 1958), under which the army had illegally arrested, rapes, tortured and murdered of Thangjam Manorama This agitation sparked the awakening of many citizens inside the country as well as people in other parts of world, on the plight, sufferings and atrocities on the people of the country living with militarization, and the draconian law, AFSPA..
These brave and noble women from Manipur are coming to Delhi on the eve
of Republic Day to stir up the Government of India and build pressure
for the repeal of an Act under which countless human rights violations
have occurred for decades.
The AFSPA which grants armed forces
personnel the power to shoot to kill on mere 'suspicion', stands in
clear violation of the several Constitutional rights of the citizens of
this country, and contravenes both Indian and International law
standards. Moreover, the AFSPA is an emergency legislation that
Constitutionally requires to be reviewed every 6 months. That it should
be continued to be imposed for years with only a nominal if any process
at all, is unacceptable.
The impunity granted to army personnel
under this Act denies citizens any possibility of justice or
accountability of the armed forces. In addition, such total impunity
has also allowed the use of extra judicial killings by state promoted
renegade groups, like the SULFA in Assam and the Ikhwaanis in Kashmir
India
is proud of its claim as the world's largest democracy, but in the face
of widespread militarization and the laws like the AFSPA in the North
East and Jammu & Kashmir for nearly fifty years, such claims seem
nothing more than a mockery of their constitutional and universal
rights.
Friends, we need to speak up against such injustices today.
We need to compel the government of India to respond to our demand for repeal of AFSPA.
We need to stand up in support of all those waging a peaceful struggle against draconian laws like the AFSPA.
We need to express our solidarity to the women of Manipur when they carry their protest to Delhi.
Strengthen the Campaign against Militarization, Impunity, and the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.
JOIN THE PROTEST:
Date: 25th January 2008
Place: Jantar Mantar
Time: 1:00 pm
Recommendation for the repeal of AFSPA 1958 from government committees and international organizations:
· 1991, UN Human Rights Committee
· 2005, Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee
· 2006, UN CEDAW Committee
· 2007, UN CERD Committee
· 2007, Administrative Reform Committee
Call for Action issued by:
Contact for North East Coordinator –
Sapamcha Kangleipal
NE Youth Coordinator
+91-9862096539
Email:
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