South Asians for Human Rights

Promoting Democracy, Upholding Human Rights

Lamka, Sep 9: The Zomi Human Rights Foundation today rallied behind the icon of public resistance, Irom Sharmila Chanu, saying the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, is more of a nuisance than a solution.
A statement of the rights body as well suggested, “Irom Sharmila Chanu’s protest and campaign to repeal the AFSPA must be heard and consider as a democratic non-violent protest.” The Act which gives extra-ordinary power to the security forces was imposed in some States of North East India with the noble intention of controlling militancy but ended up leasing an undeclared State of emergency for undefined reasons and for an unlimited period, it alleged.
It added, “The Act has been misused by the security forces by taking advantage of counter insurgency operation in every nook and corners in the North Eastern States. People had undergone several abuses due to the excesses repeatedly committed by the Security Forces throughout the years.
It has repeatedly violated the right to life, liberty and security of person.” The foundation also called for incorporation of the list of ‘dos’ and ‘donts’ as laid down and propounded by the Supreme Court of India in ‘The Naga People Movement for Human Rights v/s UOI into the Act and immediate review of the Act from the entire North East India.

Source: http://www.thesangaiexpress.com/sangai-express-news.php?newsid=8743