India
Unrest in Manipur: Hundreds defy Imphal curfew, hold anti-Afspa protest | India News – Times of India
AFSPA has been at the center of many public protests in Manipur over the years, with many residents and activists calling it draconian and accusing it of enabling human rights abuses.
The protesters also expressed outrage over the recent kidnapping and killing of six Meitei women and children in Jiribam by suspected Kuki militants on November 11.
The Manipur government expressed concern over possible agitation to extend the suspension of mobile internet services in several districts including Imphal East, Imphal West and Jiribam. The suspension will remain in effect until Wednesday evening.
The reintroduction of the Afspa on November 14 has led to widespread discontent. The 1958 law gives soldiers special powers during counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
Afspa has been at the center of many public protests in Manipur over the years, with many residents and activists calling it draconian and accusing it of enabling human rights abuses.
At Monday’s protest, organized by local clubs and Meira Paibis (women vigilantes), participants carried placards with slogans such as “Remove Afspa from the state,” “Stop imposing the draconian law” and “Stop killing women and children’. .
The protesters said they were unhappy with the Centre’s handling of the ongoing conflict and feared that bringing back Afspa would only worsen the situation.
The sectarian violence since May 3 last year has claimed more than 250 lives and displaced nearly 60,000 people, creating a deep rift between the Kuki-Zo tribal communities in the hill districts and the Meitei people in the Imphal Valley.
