Imphal, July 9: North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) welcomes the judgement of Supreme Court condemning the large scale killings in Manipur in the guise of self defence while dealing with insurgency or militants as unacceptable. The judgement said that if members of the armed forces are deployed and employed to kill citizens of the country on the mere allegation or suspicion that they are the ‘enemy’, not only the rule of law but also democracy would be in grave danger. A press statement issued by North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) also stated that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) gives soldiers sweeping powers to arrest or interrogate people in “disturbed areas” or states dealing with separatists or insurgents. This law has been used by the army to use draconian measures against Indian people. The release further mentioned that NEFIS believes that by denying the right to rule of law, the Indian state has kept North-East people relegated to the status of second class citizenry in the country that claims itself to be the world’s largest democracy. While NEFIS welcomes this move, one has to see what more can be achieved on the ground. This ruling is a vindication of democratic movement against AFSPA, the statement concluded.
