Correspondent
IMPHAL, June 11
[dropcap]A[/dropcap] discussion on International Humanitarian Law and Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 has recommended repeal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 besides urging to respect and implement the common article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, 1949.
The discussion which was jointly organized by North East Dialogue Forum (NEDF), People’s Action for Development NH-53 (PAD-53), Senapati district, United Community Development Platform, Village Women Coordinating Committee, People’s Platform Secretariat and Conflict Widows’ Forum, Manipur at Diocesan Social Service Society (DSSS), Mantripukhri, Imphal also urged to establish the truth Commission and deliver justice to the victims of all forms of human rights violations committed by the government’s security forces.The discussion which was moderated by Rev Dr PBM Basaiawmoit from Shillong, Meghalaya also urged to provide assistance to the victims for complete rehabilitation and reintegration.
Secretary U. Nobokishore of NEDF, Advocate W Basanta, NEDF’s members Kh Rebati Raman and Babycha Mangsatabam attended the programme as resource persons.
Giving the key note address, Kimboi from Churachandpur alleged that imposition of AFSPA,1958 has brought life in Manipur and other parts of the north east region is under constant threat and insecurity though ‘Right to Life and Personal Liberty’ is guaranteed under Article 21of Indian Constitution.
She also said based on the reports of Ministry of Home, Government of India and Home Department, Government of Manipur, during 1980 to 2010, 2106 numbers of insurgent cadres were killed by security forces, 1218 security personnel were killed by insurgent groups and 2405 civilians were killed by the insurgent groups in Manipur.
A case in Supreme Court is also on for the alleged extrajudicial killings of 1528 persons by the security forces in Manipur. During 1980 to 2012, 36 women and 98 children have been reportedly killed in Manipur.
Speaking on the occasion, U Nobokishore stated that undeclared war/conflict has been going on in Manipur for the last more than 5 decades. In such situation civilians are suffering miserably due to not respecting the international humanitarian law by the parties to conflict. He said that clear distinction should be made between military objectives and non-military or civilians object by both the security forces and armed non-state actors.
Therefore, he termed that all kinds of killings are extrajudicial in nature and special investigation should conducted and deliver justice to the victims. He warned that if India continue to violates human rights and fail to deliver justice, International Court of Inquiry can be constituted and trial those responsible irrespective of powerful or powerless.
Advocate W Basanta said that Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 specifically applies in the case of conflicts “not of an international character” such as the one we are experiencing today in the north east. Common Article 3, stipulates the minimum protection that must be afforded to all those who are not, or who are no longer, taking an active part in hostilities, for examples, civilians, members of armed forces of the parties to the conflict who have been captured, are wounded, or surrendered. Kh Rebati Raman stated that the Indian Constitution which came into force on January 26, 1950 guaranteed the Right to Life and Equality before Law to the people of India along with social, economic and political justice, freedom of thought and expression on which Indian democracy thrives.
These pillars of democracy on which India claims to be the largest democracy in the world were challenged with the enactment of a draconian and an anti-democratic law, the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 by the Indian Parliament on 11th September, 1958.
Speaking on “Rape as an Instrument of War”, Babycha Mangsatabam said that as also recognizes by the UN Security Council Resolution 1820 of June 2008, rape has been used by the security forces as an effective tool of war in Manipur.
