IMPHAL, April 15: A large number of students, teachers and working people from different communities of north east gathered at Arts Faculty at around 5:30pm in the evening and took out a candle march in solidarity with three women raped by army personnel in Karbi Anglong district of Assam on April 15.
According to a release of the North East Forum of International Solidarity , the candle march was taken out from Arts Faculty to Vishwa Vidyalaya metro station, New Delhi. Chatra Marg resounded with the slogans of `Repeal AFSPA`™, `Arrest the rapists`™ and a small public meeting was organized after the candle march at the Vishwa Vidyalay metro station.
It is to be noted that AFSPA(Armed Forces Special Powers Act) is imposed in Karbi Anglong district of Assam under which Army officers have legal immunity for their actions. There are serious chances of putting even this rape case under the carpet as done earlier. Police cannot take any action against the perpetrators unless the Home Ministry gives permission for the same. Such provisions clearly stand against common masses as such cases are gross violation of human rights and justice, it said.
Member of NEFIS, Hem Chandra Brahma said during the meeting that it is not the first case of brutality. People across the communities from the north east have to unite against the draconian law of AFSPA. Noted Women Rights Activist, Maya John also joined the public meeting in solidarity with the issue raised by NEFIS. During her speech she said that even in Justice Verma Committee report there is an emerging concern that AFSPA led to condition where democratic rights can be violated with impunity. Armed personnel have been using such impunity to sexually assault women. Convenor of NEFIS Chinglen Khumukcham also raised the issue of AFSPA being extended to Arunachal Pradesh. He added that NEFIS will be raising this issue at national level, it said.