IMPHAL, August 16: The Manipuri Students’ federation, MSF today observed the VIII Students’ martyrdom today with a silent peace rally in commemoration of the sacrifice of Pebam Chittaranjan Mangang at THAU ground today.
The day’s observation started early in the day with a floral tribute at the crematorium ground of Pebam Chittaranjan at Takhellambam Leikai.
The offering of floral tributes was followed by the peace rally which commenced from the crematorium site and concluded at the Thangmeiband THAU ground where the formal observation was held.
Speaking at the function at THAU ground, Living Father of Social Worker, Thounoujam Iboyaima Singh expressed Arm Forces Special Powers’ Act has been imposed in the state to dominate over the freedom fighters of the state.
He continued one should start loving his or her land during their student life, there is no love greater than patriotism.
Patriotism doesn’t mean the love for just one’s family, instead of living a lifeless life, it is better to die.
He elaborated, Chittaranjan sacrificed his life on such thoughts, he added.
AMUCO, president, KT Rahman in his speech said Chittaranjan sacrificed his life for the good of the people. He was fighting against the imposition of AFSPA and for truth.
The AFSPA has been imposed to terrorize the people even though the government has claiming that it has been imposed to provide security to the people.
Instead of checking the formation of militant outfits and their activities in the state, the number of militant outfits have only increased manifold, which is evident of the failure of the act, he said before urging the people of the state to come out unitedly against the act.
Kuki Women’s Union, president Rose Mangshi Haokip said Sharmila’s the imposition of AFSPA has resulted in the record breaking fast of Sharmila and the self-sacrifice of Pebam Chittaranjan in the state.
She continued had there been no AFSPA in the state, Pebam Chittaranjan could have been alive today and Sharmila would have been happily enjoying with her family.
With the continued imposition of AFSPA in the state, the people of the state can never be happy, it should be completely picked out from its root in order to live peacefully, she said.
Special invitee, Dr Dhanabir Laishram said in the absence of equality and freedom, democracy cannot survive and wherever AFSPA is in place, democracy’s virtues are meaningless.
There is no meaning of taking up developmental programmes if there is no right to life, he said.
The present situation has provoked the people of the state to whether consider themselves as Indians or not, he said.