Press Release

^{10 August 2010,  Imphal}

HRI 3rd Foundation Day

Human Rights Initiative (HRI) organized a discussion on the “AFSPA, Indian Constitution and Indigenous Peoples in NE Region” in observance of the 3rd Foundation Day of HRI on 9 August 2010 at its  office building, Thangapat Mapan, Palace Compound, Imphal. About 70 participants from civil societies, Meira Paibis (women human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists, victims/families and other citizens concerned took part in the discussions.

A brief inaugural formality was observed (from 12:30 to 1:00 pm) presided by the Dr. RK Ranjan, Chairperson – HRI and Mr. Jinine Laishramcha, Executive Director – HRI made a statement on HRI activities. Afterwards the discussion was opened moderated by RK Ranendrajit, Editor – Freedom. The speakers of the discussion Mr. Abdul Kayum - advocate, Mr. Khidem Mani – advocate, Ms. Valley Rose – Editor - Aja Daily, Ms. Kim Gangte – former MP and Mr. Irengbam Arun, Editor – Ireibak presented their opinions and experiences.

All the speakers showed their concerns pointing out all the negative points and detrimental impact of the AFSPA on human rights regarding the following points.

o    Has this Act helped to improve the situation over such long period of time?
o    Does AFSPA   address any root causes of the issues in NE?
o    At what extend does Indian Constitution uphold and compliance with AFSPA?
o    How far is this Act colonial and racial discriminatory?
o    At what extent does AFSPA infringe international human rights law and other international instruments?

Some speakers remarked a mentally traumatized environment caused by the military legislation in addition to the voluminous physical affliction over the years.

During the interaction hours the participants shared their opinions and observations. The interaction reiterated the impunity enjoyed by the government military forces under the Act and on the hand peoples’ countless   protest against the Act. The overall discussion demonstrated the concerns for combating injustice in the region in terms of both temporary basis and holistic approaches to durable solution to the issues.

The discussion was adjourned at 4:30 pm.

The observance of 3rd Foundation Day was telecast through a defer coverage of ISTV and also print and electronic media representatives gave their coverage of the event.

We found a good turn up of the participants which made the program meaningful.