IT News
Imphal, Aug 16:
Amid the ongoing conflict in Manipur, with no resolution in sight and the Chief Minister hinting at re-imposing AFSPA in the Valley, people today paid tribute to Pebam Chittaranjan, who sacrificed his life by self-immolation on August 15, 2004, in protest against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958. Chittaranjan succumbed to his injuries the following day, and his martyrdom is observed annually as Students’ Martyrdom Day.
The commemoration began at 6 a.m. today with Yakairoi (rituals) at the Manipur Students Federation (MSF) headquarters in Kwakeithel. Participants, including students, youths, civil society organizations (CSOs), and local leaders, gathered at ‘Kyamba Ningshing Shanglen’ in Bishnupur before marching to the Students’ Martyrdom Complex (Athouba Maheiroishinggi Khubam). There, they laid floral tributes at the statue and photograph of Chittaranjan, honoring his ultimate sacrifice.
The day’s events concluded with a public meeting at Kyamba Ningshing Shanglen. However, the observance, held annually since 2005, was scaled down this year due to the ongoing crisis in the state. The MSF has also urged all indigenous people to light candles on the night of August 16 in remembrance of Pebam Chittaranjan and his fight against AFSPA.