Home » Commemorating the courage of the 12 Manipuri mothers various organization observe “Anti-Repression day”

Commemorating the courage of the 12 Manipuri mothers various organization observe “Anti-Repression day”

by Rinku Khumukcham
0 comment 3 minutes read

IT News
Imphal, July 15:

Commemorating the historic protest against AFSPA by 12 courageous mothers in front of Kangla Fort on this day of 2004, Human Rights Alert (HRA) Manipur and Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL) today observed today “Anti Repression Day” at the office premises of HRA at Kwaikeithel.
Among the 12 courageous mothers two among them, Ema Mutum Ibemhal and Ema Loitam Ibetombi had left for heavenly abode and another two namely ‘Ema Ramani’ and ‘Ema Momon’ are struggling for survival after being infected by Covid-19.
Following the brutal and inhumane killing of 32 years old lady Thangjam Manorama by troops of 17th Assam Rifles after pulling her up on the intervening night of 10 and 11 July of 2004, where her lifeless body was found near Ngariyan Foothills of Imphal East district the 12 mothers of Manipur took the decisive step and staged protest in front of the Kangla Fort, the then Assam Rifles Headquarters, by disrobing themselves.
The defiant act of the Meira Paibi leaders triggered a massive public protest in Manipur against the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 (AFSPA). Months of sustained civil disobedience movement was calmed down only when the then Prime Minister of India promised: “to replace AFSPA with a more humane act”. The ‘disturbed area’ status under AFSPA was lifted from seven assembly constituencies of greater Imphal and the historic Kangla fort was handed over to the people of Manipur after more than a century of military occupation. Manipur owes a great deal to the sacrifice of the 12 brave souls.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the 17th Anti-Repression Day was observed with little gathering by strictly following safety protocols of the Covid-19.
The Anti-Repression Day was also observed by Kha Nongpok Apunba Nupi Lup, Ima Kondong Lairembi Haraobung, Moreh, Jiri Ima Meira PaibiApunba Lup (JIMPAL), Thoubal Ima, Charangpat Thoubal, Apunba Nupi Lup (ANUL), Bishnupur, Nongpok Leingak Conference Hall, Wankhei, Imphal East NIMPAL Office Conference Hall, Khwai Brahmapur, Uripok, All Manipur Social Reformation and Development Samaj, Lamphel, Tammi Chingmi, YambemLeikai, Uripok at their respective office premises.
At the observance held Human Rights Alert (HRA), Conference Hall, at Kwakeithel, the programme was live-streamed at the Facebook page of HRA. During the function a short video entitled “Ema Tara-Nithoi: The Spirit of Defiance” Episode 1: Ema Momonwas released.
12 episodes, depicting the lives of the 12 brave mothers will be released every month till the next anniversary, the observance committee said.
The Observation Committee also wishes for steady recovery of Ema Ramani and Ema Momon who are currently struggling with COVID infection. The Observation Committee prays for the good health and well-being of all the brave mothers of Manipur.
Babloo Leitongbam Director HRA delivered speeches about the incident and Manipur Human Rights with the observance of Anti-Repression Day, the mothers hope that the moral pressure of the historic Kangla protest reaches all the forces of repression and continues to be an inspiration to all the women fighting for justice and equality. They still stand firmly on their vision of a healthy Manipur and continue to be deeply concerned at the menace of drugs and narcotics, degenerating every section of our society. Today’s function was presided by Ema Rk Bino Vice-President AMKIL and paid floral tribute to Late Ema.

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