North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) protests in front of Assam Bhawan and demands immediate arrest of army personnel who raped a pregnant woman in Kokrajhar district of Assam.
A large number of activists, students and north-east people protested today, in front of Assam Bhawan under the banner of North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) condemning the brutal gang rape of a pregnant woman by the army personnel in Assam’s Kokrajhar district which took place late on Sunday night. NEFIS demands immediate arrest of army personnel who raped the woman in Kokrajhar district of Assam.
Eminent activist Maya John of Centre for Struggling Women too joined the protest and pointed out the role of “AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act)” in granting impunity to the Armed forces personnel who have been abusing the people of North-East including Assam, who have faced various forms of repression in the past. Among which women are the most vulnerable victims, facing brutal exploitation such as rape. It is to be noted that AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) is imposed in various districts 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. NEFIS will take the issue further in the coming days if the government does not immediately arrest the perpetrators and takes action against them.
