Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Activists and students gathered across Manipur on Sunday to mark the 22nd death anniversary of Pebam Chittaranjan. The 28-year-old former Manipur Students’ Federation (MSF) adviser died on August 16, 2004. He succumbed to severe burns after setting himself on fire one day earlier near Bishnupur Market. He acted in protest against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.
Supporters held the 22nd Students’ Martyrdom Day to keep his memory alive. They placed floral tributes at his memorial statue in Thanilkhun village, near C.I. College in Bishnupur district. Participants also visited the exact site of his self-immolation. A massive silent rally moved from Imphal College to the Takhellambam Leikai Youth Club. Students carried placards demanding an end to the act.
Another event took place at Kwakeithel Thounaojam Leikai, across from Tiddim Ground in Imphal West. Attendees observed two minutes of silence for those lost to the cause. Khaidem Rabikanta Khangamba, the MSF Observation Committee convenor, addressed the crowd. He linked the law to the British-era Armed Forces Special Powers Ordinance of 1942. He argued that these policies feed state violence.
Khangamba stated, "Militarisation, repressive laws and state violence as mechanisms used to suppress movements challenging State policies." He highlighted how the disturbed area status grants security forces broad authority. He claimed this leads to torture, sexual violence, and arbitrary detention. Speakers urged the government to abandon security-heavy tactics in favor of political solutions based on justice and human dignity.
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act originated in 1958. While the Centre and state government have removed it from specific police station jurisdictions in the Imphal Valley, it remains active in many parts of Manipur. The rally ended at the Takhellambam Leikai Youth Club, where demonstrators reaffirmed their commitment to push for the law's full repeal.
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