Apunba Lup scoffs at AR's gestures

August 2, 2006 – (The Sangai Express) Dismissing efforts by Indian Army authorities particularly the Assam Rifles of holding talks with meira paibis to bring peace and tranquillity in the State as cover-up exercises, the Apunba Lup said until and unless the Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 is repealed no positive development can be achieved. Talking to mediaper-sons at Manipur Press Club today in the backdrop of reports regarding constant consultations between AR's top officials and meira paibi members, women leaders of the Apunba Lup contended that so far no representatives of any women organisations had reciprocated to the AR proposals.

Doubting the authenticity and credentials of those women folk who had reportedly met Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South) recently, the Lup's women leaders reiterated that there is no question of any sort of negotiation with representatives of Indian security force agencies as long as AFSPA is imposed in the State. The claim that representatives of 17 meira paibi organisations had recently met the IG (AR) is not only ridiculous but also misleading as all meeting attendants (women) are frauds posing asas meira paibis, they alleged and demanded clarification from those women folks who are compromising sanctity of meira paibi institution by conniving with Indian Army.

Recalling past instances of security force personnel committing atrocities and abusing human rights irrespective of the victims being male or female under the immunity granted by AFSPA, they also opined that endorsing peace parleys with security agencies would never solve the crime against humanity if the repressive law is not removed from the entire State. Expressing strong resentment of both the Central and State Governments not honouring aspiration of the masses to live in a secured atmosphere which would be possible only after repealing the draconian Act, the Apunba Lup wondered whether the AR endeavour could restore peace and tranquillity.

Referring to the gruesome murder of Manorama Devi and ongoing agitation against AFSPA by Irom Sharmila, they also cautioned State women folks against diluting sacrifices made by the people for some material gain apparently provided by the Indian Army. Suggesting that women activists keep distance from security force agencies rather than fall into the game-plan of Indian Army, they further warned that Apunba Lup would not tolerate those found to be defying the restriction failing which appropriate punitive action could not be ruled out.

The women leaders also belittled the notion of Assam Rifles that decades long physical atrocities and mental trauma suffered by the people especially the womenfolk could be compensated by carrying out some construction activities. Expressing that more than the security forces it is the meira paibis who are making relentless effort to restore order in the society, the Apunba Lup doubted Indian armed forces' ability to win confidence of the masses with their double-edged policy of pretending to be protector of the society but nevertheless persisting with the devilish agenda of eliminating the people irrespective of being members of UG groups or innocent civilians.

Observing that hardly a day passes off without security force personnel involved in killing and maiming civilians apart from continued inflow of uniformed personnel into the State, the women leaders also accused that ongoing exercises of the Assam rifles is to create divisions in the society in order to cover-up their misconduct. Until and until Indian Army could perceive Manipuri women folk as their own mothers and sisters it would be more appropriate if the Army authorities refrain from proposing talks by misconstruing ethics and principle of peaceful gesture.

From: http://www.e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=3..030806.aug06