The Supreme Court’s verdict on Friday restricting use of ‘excessive or retaliatory force’ of the Army or paramilitary force even in areas under the infamous Armed Forces Special Powers’ Act (AFSPA) has elated the human right defenders in Northeastern State of Manipur.
The apex court’s verdict will not only affect the immunity enjoyed by the armed forces while operating in northeastern State but also will give the much needed boost to the human rights defenders, who have been fighting for repealing the draconian Act, which according to them, has become a shield for the armed forces for gross violation of human rights.
The human rights activists in Manipur further welcomed the apex court’s agreement to have an independent inquiry into Manipur’s 1,528 cases of extra-judicial killings that took place between 2000 and 2012.
“I think my sister will be very happy to know this. Today is in fact a happy moment for all of us, who have been struggling to ensure human rights for everyone one the state and trying to get the AFSPA repealed. Not only for the people of Manipur, but the people of entire country should feel happy and appreciate the Supreme Court’s ruling today,” Irom Singhajit, a human rights defender and brother of Manipur’s ‘Iron lady’, Irom Sharmila.
He said that he would be breaking the news to his sister soon. Sharmila, who has been on an indefinite fast for last 15 years demanding repeal of the AFSPA, is kept under judicial custody at a hospital in Manipur capital Imphal, which was turned into a jail for her. Sharmila, who had started her fast November 2, 2000 in protest against killings of 10 civilians allegedly by the Assam Rifles, is force-fed a diet of liquids through her nose.
Manipur based human rights activist, Beenalaxmi Nepram also welcomed the court's observation. She said this would send across a message that no one was above law. “The ruling will ensure that those who commit human rights violation or indulge in extra-judicial killings will not be let off. We’ve suffered for more than 40-50 years but we have faith in the Indian justice system. We’ll keep fighting for the repeal of AFSPA from the entire country. Putting a blanket AFSPA on the people of Manipur itself is a violation of the Constitution,” Beenalaxmi said.