On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the killing of 34-year-old Thangjam Manorama Devi in Manipur allegedly by Assam Rifles personnel, people from several democratic rights and political groups held a protest at Jantar Mantar here on Friday. They demanded the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.This law has been in place in seven Northeastern states, Jammu and Kashmir and parts of Central India and gives absolute impunity to the Armed forces. The protest was organised by the People’s Union for Democratic Reforms, the North East Forum for International Solidarity, the Campaign for Peace and Democracy and the Sanhati.
Manorama Devi was picked up by the Assam Rifles for interrogation on allegations of being associated with the People’s Liberation Army on the intervening night of July 10 and 11, 2004. The following morning her bullet-ridden body was discovered in a field, while her autopsy suggested rape and murder. No person was prosecuted in this case.
Kavita Krishnan from the All India Progressive Women’s Association said: “Ten years on, there has been no justice for Manorama. This is a reason for us to question the democracy.”
(With inputs from Akshita Nagpal)
