Thursday 5 November 2015

AFSPA CONVENTION: DELHI: 1 Nov 2015: A REPORT



Published at:

 

DNA , Kashmir Times , Counter Currents , The Citizen , Tehelka , Two Circles , Eastern Mirror , E-Pao , Assam Times , Sangai Express , Hueiyenlanpao , The Companion , Morung Express , Meghalaytimes

Greater Kashmir

 

A convention on Repeal AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) was organized here on 1st November at New Delhi today with the objective to bring demand of Repeal AFSPA in political priorities.  This convention was organized in view of its importance as IromSharmila, better known as Iron lady of Manipur is completing 15 years of her hunger strike with the demand to Repeal AFSPA.

 

Convention was attended by various eminent speakers that includes Neingulo Krom (Secretary General of Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights), Babloo Loitongbam (Human Rights Activist from Manipur), Swami Agnivesh , Prof Nandini Sundar, Prof Deepti Priya Mehrotra , Ashok Agrwaal and others. Youths and other activists also attended the convention in large numbers and extended their support towards the cause.

This convention was organized by Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC), Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), Students Islamic Organisation (SIO), Bonded Labour Liberation Front, Just Peace Foundation (JPF), Forum Asia and Human Rights Alert. Those who participated also signed sheets to endorse the demand of Repeal AFSPA from all regions (North east and J&K) and release of IromSharmila. Father Denzil delivered his welcome note in start of convention.

 

A short film presented by the Extra Judicial Execution Victims Families' Association (EEVFAM) said that in 2012 they had present 1528 cases of killings by the armed forces in Manipur, to the Supreme Court. The apex court picked six cases at random to be investigated and found the army version to be false. The film said that since these cases reached the court, the number of extra judicial killings came down from 500 in a year to 2 in 2013. However, there is concern that if the court does not expedite the other cases, the killings could go back to their former frequency. Families and witnesses, too, need to be protected and rehabilitated, as the film showed the widow of a man slain by the army talking about the pressure the latter was putting on her to withdraw the case.

 

IromSharmila, a woman from Manipur is completing 15 years of her hunger protest on 2nd Nov. She is observing fast as a form of protest since the year 2000 (when she was about 28 years old), and she had started it just after Malom massacre where Assam rifles had fired upon local civilians who were waiting at a bus stand in Malom, Imphal (Manipur) and all were killed. Irom decided to register her protest because incidents of torture and killings were common in Manipur and in the veil of the powers under AFSPA,nothing could be done against culprit security personals. Iromsharmila started her fast and did not leave it since then. She has only demand, Repeal AFSPA, as it is AFSPA that is main culprit , because it provides extra ordinary powers to security personals to operate in Manipur and other such areas and these powers have been misused widely.

 

AFSPA has provisions of shoot to kill mere on probability, but it does not stop here, instead it goes beyond and says that no case can be lodged against any security personals without pre sanction from central government. Sadly, in all such years, no approval was given by central government and despite hundreds of reported cases of fake killings, torture and rapes, nothing could be done to punish culprits.

 

As, IromSharmila did not leave her fast, Manipur police registered a case against her under section 309 of 'attempt to suicide' and put her in jail. During her release from jail for a day in 2006, IromSharmila came to Delhi, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and later joined a fast at JantarMantar. Delhi Police also registered another case under same section of attempt to suicide here in Delhi and matter went to court. Presently, IromSharmila is under arrest by Manipur police and living her life in security ward of JLN hospital of Manipur.  The case in Delhi also, is still going on and IromSharmila appears before Delhi court on court notices and when Manipur government becomes ready to produce her at Delhi.

 

Despite her fast since last 15 years and government's ignorance, even suppression through lodging her behind bars, did not break her faith in democracy or non violence. She always smiles, and tells , 'I have faith in democracy. Government will listen one day'

 

Sadly, government is not listening, and even one of her demand to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not been accepted yet. She thinks Prime Minister does not want to meet her as probably government has no reply for all her demands and questions about suppression of people through AFSPA.

 

This act, AFSPA as one of the most draconian one that is not only dangerous to people, but even damage the reputation of security forces and of world's largest democracy that is advocating for UNSC seat.

 

Govt's own committees have recommended to repeal this act. Even many fake killings, rapes and cases of disappearances were not only reported but even proved, but till now govt has not repealed this act. Many national and international human rights organizations also raising their voice to demand to repeal this act. State leadership of BJP in Manipur and PDP in J&K had favored to repeal of this act, but now they are silent.

 

Neingulo Krome , Secretary General of NPMHR said "AFSPA is a violation of Human Rights and if India is truly a democratic country then this Act should be removed immediately. He also described about cases that are before Supreme Court against human rights violations"



Babloo Loitongbam , a human rights activist from Manipur emphasized that this law has no place in a democratic country like India. This process needs to stop because it violates democracy to its core.  He also said that we need to move our struggle in such a way that we should be able to celebrate IromSharmila's victory in her struggle and even if Govt of India accepts her demand, it will be a victory of govt itself as it will send a message that govt respects for human rights. 



Swami Agnivesh said he will lender all his support to the youth of this country in this struggle to repeal AFSPA from J&K and the North Eastern states of India. He also said that it is painful to see that religious groups raise voice when something happen to any member of their religion, but why don't they speak upon such isues where laws like AFSPA are violating human rights with all acceptance and permission by govt. Are not speaking for these acts are also a thing that religion should call for.







Prof Deepti Priya Mehrotra, who has also written a book on IromSharmilatitled 'Burning Bright'said, "Sharmila is the voice of ordinary people. Let the 21st century be the century of Sharmila." She also emphasized that it is only through solidarity that different voices are joined together and this is the only way in which we can stand up and fight for it. she practices non-violence "philosophically" not strategically. Her's is the declaration that life cannot be lived unless the state accords an equal right to life to all its citizens, said Mehrotra.





Prof Nandini Sundar talked about the Irom Sharmila Scholarships started by Delhi University three years ago and how to make them more effective. She read out the testimonies of two anonymous students who had applied for the  scholarship–for students from AFSPA affected areas–a man from Manipur, and a woman from Kashmir. Both accounts spoke of coming terrifyingly close to death at the army's hands, and its impact on one's mind.



Prof Sanjoy Hazarika described about how this struggle is all about 15 years of Irom Sharmila, 10 years of Jeevan Reddy Committee and many others and therefore we must see that something is happening about which we all need to be concerned upon.  Sanjoy also said that future strategies should be developed and AFSPA is required to be repealed. He elaborated this psychological impact, talking about generations living with trauma and mental health problems wherever there was AFSPA. What was telling was the absolute lack of medical help available to these people.





From APCR, Kashif Ahmed Faraz feels, 'People are now much aware of this issue and are coming up to fight for it. But we shouldn't stop here. We should continue spreading awareness about it…"

 

 

Laeeq Ahmed Khan from SIO said these laws have multidimensional effect.

 

Raghu Menon from Forum Asia told that forum Asia is always in support of struggles for Human Rights and we have already extended our support to IromSharmila and we will continue to raise voice though all possible means.

 

 

 

Henri Triphange, chairperson of Forum Asia also joined the convention and expressed his solidarity on behalf of organization.


The session was concluded by Ravi Nitesh who said that he has seen a lot of change in these fifteen years. Earlier only the North East people were fighting for it but now more and more people from all over the country are standing up in support of IromSharmila.

 

At the end, it was announced that demand to repeal AFSPA is a collective struggle and demand that is very much required to protect human rights as well as democratic values. It was announced that this full week is being observed in solidarity with 15 years of struggle of IromSharmila nationwide and at many places protests are happening.  It was also told that in coming months, this movement will bring more voices together and will start a big movement to demand Repeal AFSPA.

 

 

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Issued by :Organising Group- Convention on Repeal AFSPA

 

Jointly by : SSSC, APCR, SIO, Bonded Labour Liberation Front, Forum Asia, JPF, HRA,

 

For any query, you may contact to Kaashif (8802879246 ), Vishrut (9818346578), Shihad (9560302979),   Asif Abdullah (7298144141 ),  Ravi Nitesh (9958907799 ) 



Friday 30 October 2015

INVITATION: 1 NOV: CONVENTION ON REPEAL AFSPA

Dear friends,

A convention on Repeal AFSPA is scheduled on 1st November (2 to 5 PM) at Indian Social Institute, Lodi Road.  Activists from North East region as well as voices from all other regions are coming together to bring the issue in frontline of political priorities.

We invite you to learn and to enrich the session with your experiences, opinion and ideas in this convention. Please join the convention and support the suppressed voices to come on front.

You may consider forwarding this invite to your other friends and groups who wish to join the convention and who favor human rights. 

During 2 to 5 session, you will listen many untold experiences, update about cases pending before judiciary, an understanding about present scenario etc and we all together may form a joint strategy to take this demand forward.  Few reading brochures and literature will also be available at registration desk. A signature sheet will also be there upon which attendees may out their signature to include their name in memorandum that will be send to Prime Minister, Home Minister and President. Hi-tea will be served at the end of program. 

 Facebook event link of this convention is: https://www.facebook.com/events/966874203350989/

We are alsop organising protests in other cities as well. o know about all such events, pl keep visit www.repealafspa.blogspot.com 

 Detail of the convention is provided here:

_____________________________

CONVENTION ON REPEAL AFSPA

In the series of solidarity Nationwide Protest to Repeal AFSPA to mark 15 Years of Hunger Strike of Irom Sharmila

Venue: Indian Social Institute, Lodi Road, New Delhi

Date & Time: 1st Nov 2015, 2 to 5 PM

Speakers:

Neingulo Krome (Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights)

Babloo Loitongbam (Human Rights Activist from Manipur)

Swami Agnivesh (Activist, Spiritual leader)

Prof. Nandini Sundar (Activist, Writer & Professor at Delhi School of Economics)

Ashok Agrwaal (Lawyer, Author- In search of Vanished Blood)

Tapan Bose (Activist, Filmmmaker & Head of South Asia Forum for Human Rights)

Ramratan Chatterjee (Social Activist, Columnist & Author- In the Valley of Kashmir Under White Terror)

Prof. Deepti Priya Mehrotra (Academician, Author of Irom Sharmila's biography: Burning Bright)

Representatives from other Organisations

 

Irom Sharmila, a Repeal AFSPA crusader in Imphal, Manipur is completing 15 years of her hunger protest and will enter in 16th year of her hunger strike on 2nd November. She is continuously raising her demand through peaceful way of her fast, but state has ignored her demand and even did its best to suppress her voice. She is under arrest under section 309 of IPC with charges of attempt to suicide that is completely against her objective. Irom Sharmila was just 28 years old when she had started her fast with her hope in democracy. Now she is 43 years old, all her life behind the bars, just for her crime to sit peacefully and demand to Repeal AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Forces Powers Act), a special act that empowers armed forces to operate with extreme impunity. This act has resulted thousands of serious human rights violations including fake killings and rapes in states of north east region (through AFSPA 1958) of India and in J&K (through AFSPA, 1990). Despite all the demands from national and international human rights organizations and even from political parties and state leaderships, this act has not been repealed yet.

On completion of 15 years of her hunger protest, we are observing a nationwide joint protest where people and organizations in various states are registering their voice to support cause of Irom Sharmila. In this series of solidarity, we are organizing a Convention on Repeal AFSPA at New Delhi on 1st November to raise voice, to analyse and update about cases pending before judiciary and government and to take future course of action.

__________

Organisers

Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC), Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), Students Islamic Organisation (SIO), Bonded Labour Liberation Front, Just Peace Foundation (JPF), Forum Asia, Human Rights Alert 

_________________________

For any query, you may contact to Kaashif (8802879246 ), Vishrut (9818346578), Shihad (9560302979),   Asif Abdullah (7298144141 ),  Ravi Nitesh (9958907799 )


Sunday 25 October 2015

(01-02 NOV 2015) NATIONWIDE PROTEST TO REPEAL AFSPA


On 2nd Nov 2015, Irom Sharmila is completing her 15 years of hunger strike in demand to Repeal AFSPA. Many national and international organizations already raising their voice in her support and to demand repeal of AFSPA from all regions as this act is a major cause of human rights violations in North East and in J&K since last many years and hundreds of fake killings, rapes, disappearance and torture cases have been reported. But nothing could be done as under AFSPA, security personals are free to shoot to kill with unchecked powers.

 



​                             https://www.facebook.com/events/1635862633349444/   


Irom Sharmila is demanding repeal of this act through her peaceful hunger strike. Governments have ignored her fast and did not even come forward to talk with her, instead lodged her in jail under section 309 of attempt to suicide. It is when even govt owned panels recommended to review/ repeal of this controversial act and hunger strike of Irom has become world's longest hunger strike.

 

To mark 15 years of completion of hunger strike and to salute her spirit to fight for this cause, SSSC along with many other organizations and activists are calling a Nation wide Protest to repeal AFSPA.

 

We are inviting all organizations to collaborate with us and to make it a join effort.

 

On 1ST / 2nd Nov, we all may do one or more things in our cities to express our solidarity :

 

·         Submission of Memorandum to Prime Minister of India through your district magistrate

·         Submission of Memorandum to your local Member of Parliament to speak on this issue in Parliament and within the party leadership he/she is member with

·         Candle Vigil in your city / home

·         Organising protest demonstration / rally / pamphlets distribution

·         Observing one day hunger strike in solidarity with struggle

 

We invite you to do anyone or more activities from above, you may send details about you/ your organization at savesharmila@gmail.com  to include name in the list or organizers. List of cities and programs will be regularly updated on this event page along with names of all organizations and individuals who will join efforts.  


JOINTLY ORGANISED BY (Finalised till now, more joining the list): 
Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC), Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), Eye Arts Collective, Students Islamic Organisation (SIO), Awadh Peoples Forum, Just Peace Foundation, Bonded Labour Liberation Front

Finalised programs list (till now, more coming in list):
_______________________
Kolkata:
Organisation: Eye Art Collective 
Program: 
Graffiti campaign 
One day hunger strike 


_______________________
Pune: 
Organisation: Eye Art Collective 
Performance of poetry of Irom Sharmila at local poetry slam
Documentary screening on Irom Sharmila 
A lecture on AFSPA and open discussion 
Submission of memorandum to PM through District Magistrate 
Submission of memorandum to local MP to speak on this issue in parliament and within his/her own party
Distribution of pamphlets 
Observing one day hunger strike 
_________________________

Srinagar: 
Organisation: Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC)
Memorandum submission to PM through DC
__________________________
Panipat: 
Organisation: Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC)
Memorandum submission to PM through DM
__________________________
Faizabad:
Organisation: Awadh People's Forum: 1 Nov
Solidarity Activisty: Candle Vigil and Protest
_______________________
Orrisa:
Organisation: Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign
Solidarity Activity: Sand Art on struggle of Irom Sharmila: 1 Nov
Odisha Maritime Museum, Silver city Cuttack 
_________________________
Delhi:
Organisation: SSSC, APCR, SIO, JPF, BLLF

Delhi Convention on Repeal AFSPA: 1 Nov, India International Centre- Annex

__________________________


REGARDS

Ravi Nitesh

Convener

Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign 

www.repealafspa.blogspot.in 




Monday 12 October 2015

INDIA CAN'T CLAIM UN SEAT WITHOUT REPEALING AFSPA : SSSC

NEW DELHI: 8 OCTOBER 2015


Published: 

http://www.sentinelassam.com/  

http://ifp.co.in/page/items/28720/india-cant-claim-un-seat-without-repealing-afspa-save-sharmila-solidarity-campaign 

http://twocircles.net/2015oct08/1444308381.html#.Vhs4wOyqqko 

http://thepeopleschronicle.in/?p=17869 

http://nepsnews.in/2015/10/09/india-cant-claim-un-seat-without-repealing-afspa-save-sharmila-solidarity-campaign/ 

http://morungexpress.com/repeal-armed-forces-special-powers-act-before-claiming-a-permanent-unsc-seat/ 

http://issuu.com/morung_express/docs/october_9th__2015 

http://www.northeasttoday.in/repeal-afspa-before-claiming-a-permanent-unsc-seat/ 

http://www.assamtimes.org/node/15412 

http://kanglaonline.com/2015/10/un-seat-cannot-be-claimed-by-india-without-repealing-afspa-sssc/ 

http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=news_section.Press_Release.Press_Release_2015.India_cant_claim_UN_seat_without_repealing_AFSPA_20151009 



Irom Sharmila appeared in the Delhi Court on 6th AND 7TH October for the trial of the 2006 Jantar Mantar Case where Delhi Police lodged a case against her in section 309 of attempt to suicide. During the hearing, she reiterated her truth that she is not committing suicide. She is not taking life; instead she is appealing to protect the right to life. In the hearing, she also reiterated the undemocratic and draconian effects of AFSPA and appealed for its repeal. SSSC volunteers met her during her court appearance. 

 

SSSC considers these hearings as a way of suppression of voices of human rights. Everybody knows that fast of Irom sharmila is for a public cause, yet lodging her in jail with the reason of attempt to suicide , is a judicial failure and disrespect of human rights of world's largest democracy. As Irom Sharmila also said in her statement, that at a time when India is advocating to ensure its permanent seat in UN, continuing with laws like AFSPA is extreme contradiction.  Ravi Nitesh, Convener of Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign told that If India is really serious to be known at global level with powers to take part in policy making and advisory for global issues through UN, it must have first and primary requirement of respecting human rights. SSSC supports Irom Sharmila in all her endeavor and struggle.    

 

It is known through reports of government-appointed committees and national and international human rights' organisations that AFSPA is discriminatory and a kind of unconstitutional and harsh act that provides extraordinary powers to security forces in disturbed regions, without asking for any accountability. These unstopped uses of powers by security forces have been used in serious situations of violations of human rights. By this act, security forces start behaving like criminals who have unchecked powers and accountability.

 

Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign, that is continuously working since last many years against AFSPA also advocates for its repeal from all areas. The campaign keeps its faith upon non violence struggle of Irom Sharmila and considers her as its leader. SSSC has worked nationwide in last years to highlight struggle of Irom Sharmila and have organised numerous events, public demonstrations and other activities in almost all states of India and in few other countries to advocate Repeal of AFSPA from all regions, including state of North East Region and of J&K, SSSC believes that its struggle is against state repression that anyone can see through AFSPA that is imposed in J&K and states of North east region, and therefore struggle will continue against all human rights violations by security forces in these regions. 



​Morung Express, 9 Oct, Front Page 

 

There have been many incidents of brutal mass-rapes that have been reported in past and justice still eludes the victims. This has been proved not only by human rights' organisations but also by government-appointed committees. 

 

We demand with the government to immediately pay attention towards AFSPA repeal. Keeping AFSPA in Manipur and in J&K is against the will and future of state. We demand with state and central government both to coordinate and cooperate with each other to end the impasse over AFSPA. For Manipur, state leadership of central ruled party was already promised repeal of AFSPA. 

 

SSSC believes that AFSPA that was extended to J&K vide AFSPA-J&K, should be repealed as victimisation and sufferings cannot be looked separately. A human rights violation is always a violation of human rights regardless of region. in J&K, so many incidents of killings, rapes and disappeances have already been reported and evidences were provided even before courts against many security officials, but due to impunity under AFSPA (section 7), nothing could be done against culprits. 

 

SSSC also see that enjoying such an impunity that AFSPA provides is actually a corruption and it is absolutely not required for any responsible, honest and committed security force personals. In contrary, it becomes dangerous as such absolute powers divert the normal way of working of personals. 

 

SSSC appeals with the state and central government to immediately act upon this long pending demand of Repeal AFSPA. AFSPA is a failed law. 


The demand to repeal AFSPA is not only at national level but also at a global level with international human rights' organisations and activists advocating for it. At this time when India is being honored globally, this undemocratic and inhuman act is also working to tarnish this image.

 

SSSC will continue its efforts and will be organising protests and active campaigning in coming months for advocating Repeal of AFSPA from every where.

 

Press Release issued by

Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign

http://repealafspa.blogspot.com

 

For any queries, contact Ravi Nitesh at savesharmila@gmail.com or 9958907799


Ravi Nitesh (Convener), Patna: Zaheeb Ajmal, Delhi: Devika Mittal, Mumbai: Guddi ,Chennai: Tanveer ,Kerla: Jayachandran Ramchandran (CRSJS), Srinagar: Tanveer Hussain Khan (One World Foundation), Asif Abdullah, Mudassir Rizwan, West Bengal: Shubhojit, Manipur: Babloo, Onil, Irom Singhjit 

-- 
Regards,
 
Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign
(A joint initiative of various organizations & movements)
Facebook: Groups/savesharmilacampaign

 
We welcome your participation/suggestion/feedbacks. 

Thursday 13 August 2015

PEACE ACCORD WELCOME, NOW REPEAL AFSPA: SSSC

PEACE ACCORD WELCOME, NOW REPEAL AFSPA: SSSC


Published:

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/493826/after-naga-agreement-fresh-call.html 

http://morungexpress.com/nagas-in-chandel-welcomes-peace-accord/ 

http://issuu.com/morung_express/docs/august_6th__2015 

http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/government-is-not-serious-about-permanent-peace-sssc/ 

http://e-pao.net/epSubPageSelector.asp?src=Government_is_not_serious_about_permanent_peace_20150806&ch=news_section&sub1=Press_Release&sub2=Press_Release_2015 

 

Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC) welcomes the decision of peace accord between Govt and NSCN (IM). By this historic peace accord, there are many signals from the side of the government, first of all it conveys the importance of peace and the commitment for development in North East states where the Prime Minister himself was present during peace accord with NSCN(IM) leaders. 

 

SSSC believes that such actions from government are one of confidence building measures where not only common people of north east, but even insurgent groups and their members can now think and can join the mainstream in the broader objective of peace and development. 




 

SSSC commends the role of R N Ravi for reflecting his commitment towards stability in north east and for standing towards people of north east. Being an interlocutor for these talks, he successfully brought both the parties at single point of joining hands. 

 

With all these best wishes and congratulations, SSSC appeals once again with the government of India to work towards repeal of AFSPA. SSSC convener Ravi Nitesh said that though the move is a welcome but without repealing AFSPA, it does not seem that government is indicating or serious thinking towards permanent peace. In fact, no restrictions or cut in unconstitutional powers of military is actually a threat, not less than the threat of insurgents in north east states. Establishing peace talks and ceasefire deals with insurgents is about ensuring the development and scenario of investment by private parties that government is seeking, but repealing AFSPA will be a move of establishing real and ground contacts with people, of touching their hearts and minds in real ways, because this will mean understanding their scenario of everyday abnormality and threat and also about taking action to ensure peace for them. We hope that from Look east to now Act East, has to move ahead with Understanding East. Without understanding issues, actions will not be as fruitful as it would be."

 

We have seen that how despite being on hunger strike since last 15 years, Irom Sharmila has not been able to get importance by government. Even despite her repeated requests and desire to meet newly elected prime minister Mr. Modi, she did not get any chance to meet him. She is a person who is following a non violent and democratic path for her demand to repeal AFSPA. Despite her worldwide popularity and voice and support of human rights organisations, government has not listen demand yet. Moreover, her fast has largely been ignored. Will it not give a signal that non violence and democratic ways are loosing their importance in present regime of India? Government need to rethink on this fast more seriously and to act immediately in this regard. 


Issued by

Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign 

Monday 13 July 2015

AFSPA EXTENSION IN NAGALAND IS FAILURE OF GOVERNMENT : SSSC

AFSPA EXTENSION IN NAGALAND IS FAILURE OF GOVERNMENT : SSSC

Published at:










Delhi, 12 July 2015. 

Recently , AFSPA was extended for another term in Nagaland. It is not only unfortunate and condemnable, but it also shows that how much incapable government is. 

Everyone know that AFSPA is discriminatory and a kind of unconstitutional and harsh act that provides extraordinary powers to security forces in disturbed regions, without asking for any accountability. These unstopped use of powers by security forces have been used in serious situations of violations of human rights. By this act, security forces start behaving like criminals who have unchecked powers and accountability. 

Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign, that is continuously working since last many years against AFSPA advocates for its repeal from all areas. Campaign keeps its faith upon non violence struggle of Irom Sharmila and consider her as its leader. SSSC has worked nationwide in last years to highlight struggle of Irom Sharmila and have organised numerous events, public demonstrations and other activities in almost all states of India and in few other countries to advocate Repeal of AFSPA from all regions, including state of North East Region and of J&K, SSSC believes that its struggle is against state repression that anyone can see through AFSPA that is imposed in J&K and states of North east region, and therefore struggle will continue against all human rights violations by security forces in these regions. 




SSSC see that extension of AFSPA in Nagaland shows that despite clear verdict in centre, BJP shows itself as weak political party and does not have courage to repeal the act in respect of people. It seems that it is military that is ruling the democracy in these regions and state democracy has failed itself by adopting such repressive paths of handing over powers in military hand. It is nothing more than a surrender. Also, state government of Nagaland is similarly incapable in handling of situation and in advocating the voice to Repeal AFSPA. Even elected MPs from North East and local assembly representatives are not coming forward with full courage and strength to voice for Repeal of AFSPA.

We also condemn that Kiren Rijiju, a minister in Central government and a citizen from North East, also has not come against the order of MHA and by this way, he only proved himself as an opportunist politician rather than being a true representative of people. It was also told in media reports that probably Rijiju was bypassed in this decision, however if it is true, Rijiju must clarify and should come in front to advocate what is right for Nagaland. 

Ravi Nitesh, convener of SSSC told that SSSC appeals with the government to re consider its orders and to adopt measures and strategies that can save people of AFSPA imposed region from human rights violations. SSSC will continue its efforts to advocate for Repeal of AFSPA. 

--
Regards,
 
Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign
(A joint initiative of various organizations & movements)
Facebook: Groups/savesharmilacampaign

 
We welcome your participation/suggestion/feedbacks. 

Monday 8 June 2015

Irom Sharmila's Court Appearance and Insensitivity of the State



Irom Sharmila appeared before the metropolitan magistrate Akash Jain in the Patiala session court of Delhi on 5th and 6th June 2015. The Court was required to record statements of the witnesses that included the policemen, doctors along with another person who had recorded the protest of Jantar Mantar when Irom Sharmila was in Delhi in 2006. 

In this case, the Delhi police had lodged FIR upon Irom Sharmila under section 309 of "Attempt to suicide'. Now as doctors did not come, the next date was given by the court with the hope that it will be the final hearing. 

Save sharmila solidarity campaign (SSSC) members accompanied Irom Sharmila in the Court and were present in the court in solidarity. Campaign observed that though it was a judicial requirement, but such kind of hearings are mere unnecessarily harassment on the name of section 309 upon a human rights activist. It is a clear contradiction in Irom Sharmila’s case as while she is fighting for right to life, she is being charged with the allegation of taking away the right to life. 

It is also observed that despite Irom Sharmila’s desire to meet Prime minister of India, prime minister office have not called for any meeting yet. It is her demand since long time that she is hopeful with democracy and she wants to meet Prime minister. Save Sharmila Soldarity Campaign believes that not calling a meeting with her is actually a denial of state to meet this crusader of non-violence. It is a time when Irom Sharmila has global supporters to raise voice for her cause, but despite all efforts and unparalleled sacrifice and struggle, Indian state is continuously ignoring and suppressing her. It is unfortunate that the government is giving priority of talks with those who are adopting violent ways, but it is continuously ignoring the non-violence.

Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign is already involve in campaigning and will increase its activities from coming months to spread awareness and to advocate for the cause of Irom Sharmila.

SSSC also condemns the Manipur attack and the questioning of demand of repeal of AFSPA. It was reported and SSSC re-iterates the statement of Irom Sharmila who had condemned the Manipur attack. She regarded the killing of soldiers to be shocking and shameful. She has always condemned killing which is the reason for her protest. She regards killing, no matter by whom, as shameful and unacceptable. She had also said that this incident happened in a region which is under full control of AFSPA but still it happened. It shows that AFSPA has not been the solution.

SSSC agrees and fully supports her view. SSSC feels that such attacks are also failure of state itself as it seems that state has not even capable of protecting its own functionaries. Also, the fact remains that the common people are the sufferers of atrocities of both the state and anti-state groups. Through AFSPA, the state has been involved in performing extreme atrocities upon common people in past. SSSC believes that imposing hard laws like AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) in civil areas are of no use and it has been used against people widely. There must be a strategy to remove AFSPA from all areas of North East and J&K as without it confidence building cannot be done. AFSPA is a failed law and it must go. 

Press Release issued by

Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign
Contact: savesharmila@gmail.com

Friday 29 May 2015

Tripura is Start, AFSPA must go from everywhere: SSSC

PRESS RELEASE

TRIPURA IS START, AFSPA MUST GO FROM EVERYWHERE: SSSC

Announcement of Repeal AFSPA from Tripura is a welcome move. We, at Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign, convey our sincere thanks to Govt of Tripura as well as MHA for considering the move. We believe that repeal of AFSPA from Tripura is a decision in favor of democracy and humanity.

Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC) view this incident as 'moving from inertia of AFSPA'. It is because since many years and even after continuous demands by people and rights groups, AFSPA was not even diluted a bit. No government or security agencies have taken any positive steps towards its repeal and were isolated from this issue. No one in the government even wanted to talk about the issue and those who were in government never tried to break the ice and ignored people's demand. 

As, SSSC had already stated in several other campaigning moments, AFSPA does not have people's mandate. We also believe that by breaking this inertia, there is a signal of something positive. A start was awaited. 

As Tripura is one of the states of North East region of India, repealing AFSPA from this state also sends a message of confidence and hope among all other people who are residing in AFSPA zone presently. We also see that this start must become dynamic very soon and governments must try to repeal it from every where. 

We demand with the government to immediately pay attention towards Manipur also where Irom Sharmila is on a continuous fast since the last 15 years. Keeping AFSPA in Manipur is against the will and future of state. We demand with state and central government both to coordinate and cooperate with each other to end the impasse over AFSPA. For Manipur, state leadership of central ruled patry  was already promised repeal of AFSPA. 

SSSC believes that AFSPA that was extended to J&K vide AFSPA-J&K, should also be repealed as victimisation and sufferings cannot be looked separately. A human rights violation is always a violation of human rights regardless of region. in J&K, so many incidents of killings, rapes and disappeances have already been reported and evidences were provided even before courts against many security officials, but due to impunity under AFSPA (section 7), nothing could be done against culprits. 

SSSC also see that enjoying such an impunity that AFSPA provides is actually a corruption and it is absolutely not required for any responsible , honest and committed security force personals. In contrary, it becomes dangerous as such absolute powers divert the normal way of working of personals. 

SSSC appeals with the state and central government to immediately act upon this long pending demand of Repeal AFSPA. AFSPA is not required not only in Tripura but in no other AFSPA state. AFSPA is a failed law. SSSC will continue its efforts and will be organising protests and active campaigning in coming months for advocating Repeal of AFSPA from every where. 

Press Release issued by
Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign