Thousands Protest in Imphal East Demanding AFSPA Removal

Imphal, Nov 28 : Defying a curfew, thousands of protesters gathered in Manipur’s Imphal East district on Thursday, demanding the removal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from the state.

Carrying placards and banners, the demonstrators called for the arrest of those responsible for the recent killings of three women and three children in Jiribam district. The rally, organized by Meira Paibis and local clubs, began at Nongada in Lamlai constituency.

“We have reiterated time and again that AFSPA is a tool of oppression. The people of Imphal Valley and Naga areas have suffered the most under AFSPA, but the government has never acknowledged their suffering,” said one of the women protesters.

The Centre recently reimposed AFSPA in six police station areas of Manipur, including violence-hit Jiribam, citing the ongoing ethnic violence and volatile situation in the region. The Union Home Ministry’s notification declared these areas “disturbed” to facilitate security operations.

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh announced on Tuesday that both Central and state governments are implementing a series of measures to address the recent violence in Jiribam. Meanwhile, large-scale combing operations have been launched in Jiribam and surrounding areas to apprehend the perpetrators.

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