IMPHAL, Jan 25 � Women organisations in Manipur today staged a protest in front of the historic Kangla Fort here against the imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the State.
Holding anti-AFSPA banners, the womenfolk demanded the repeal of the Act. Speaking to the media one woman protester said Prime Minister Dr Manmoham Singh had promised to the people of Manipur during his visit here in 2006 that the Act will be replaced with a more humane act soon. But nothing has been done so far, she lamented.
The Lok Sabha election is scheduled to be held in the State shortly but no political leaders at the Centre is concerned about the people�s voice against the AFSPA, she alleged.
The women numbering around 30 were rounded up by the police.
On Thursday, NGO activists had urged the Indian armed forces and armed non-State actors to respect and implement international humanitarian laws, Geneva Convention common article 3 and additional protocol II of 1997. Rev PBM Basaiawmoit, former vice president of National Council of Churches has urged the authorities to establish Truth and Reconciliation Commission to bring out the truth and ensure justice.
They also urged the Government of India to repeal AFSPA and compensate all victims of rape, torture and families of innocent civilians killed.
