Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) general secretary Auguster Jyrwa, student activists, human rights defenders, Meira Paibis, survivors of AFSPA violence were present in the consultation.
The consultation held a threadbare discussion on the genesis and politics of AFSPA, adverse gender impact of the armed conflict and the increasing ‘securitisation of development’ in the NE. The NESO secretary general Sinam Prakash in his keynote address pointed out that despite of internal and external democratic pressures to repeal AFSPA, the Government of India is turning a blind eye to the issue for too long.
During the inaugural function, former Manipur Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam, who was the chief guest, related his experience of engaging Prime Minister and Union Home Minister on the issue of AFSPA. He shared how an Army General vehemently opposed his suggestion, even though he could have the intelligence officials on his side.
Yambem Laba, fomer member Manipur State Human Rights Commission narrated the story of how he along with his friend moved Supreme Court of India to challenge AFSPA in 1980.
NESO chairman Samuel Jyrwa called AFSPA a manifestation of racial discrimination against the North East people and emphasised the need to repeal such a draconian law. He also pointed out that such consultation will be held in all the seven sister States of the NE before the next Parliament session.
The business session was a chaired by Lokendra Arambam, senior citizen. Seram Rojesh, Anjulika Samom and Thagjam Homen presented papers.
Source: Assam Tribune
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