AFSPA is no solution to Manipur Crisis, says activist Irom Sharmila

Digital Desk: Human rights activist Irom Sharmila stated on Thursday that the "oppressive law" was not a solution to the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur. This statement came the day after the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act was extended for six more months in the hill areas of the state.

In light of the current state of law and order, the Manipur government said on Wednesday that the "disturbed area" status under the Act will continue to apply to the hill areas for another six months. However, the "disturbed area" status will not apply to the valley regions that are under the jurisdiction of 19 police stations, including the state capital Imphal.

The AFSPA grants the Army broad executive authority and some protection from legal action in civil courts. The law permits military personnel to open fire, even fatally, against anyone violating the law or carrying weapons and ammunition in regions that have been declared as "disturbed".

Sharmila stated on Thursday that the Central Government and the Government of Manipur should respect the diversity of the region.

“The values, principles, and practices of different ethnic groups must be respected. India is known for its diversity,” the 51-year-old activist stated. She further stated, “But the central government and the BJP are more interested in creating uniformity through proposals like the Uniform Civil Code.”

The activist questioned why Narendra Modi, the prime minister, had not visited to the state since it experienced violence in May.

 

Irom Sharmila said, “PM Modi is the leader of the country, If he had visited the state and spoken to the people, the problems would have been resolved by now. The solution to this violence lies in compassion, love, and humane touch. But it seems the BJP is not keen on resolving the issue and wants this problem to linger.”

Sharmila added that the N Biren Singh-led state government's misguided policies had plunged Manipur into an unparalleled catastrophe.

Sharmila participated in a hunger strike from 2000 to 2016 to have the AFSPA repealed. The activist now lives in Bengaluru with her family.

The government said that two Meitei students who went missing in July had been murdered, Hijam Linthoingambi (17) and Phijam Hemjit (20), which led to the announcement of the extension of AFSPA on Wednesday. They were suspected to have been killed by Kuki militants, the Imphal Police stated.

The order shall take effect on October 1. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has the authority to periodically renew the order after the initial six months have passed after evaluating the circumstances.

Over 200 people have died in Manipur since the conflict between the Meiteis and the Kukis erupted on May 3. A little over 60,000 people have been compelled to leave their homes. Despite the massive presence of central security forces, the state has recorded incidences of rape and murder, and crowds have plundered police armories and set several houses on fire.