TURA: Several thousand people, including a vast majority of the youth, marched in unison at Tura and Williamnagar on Friday to oppose any imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) which allows the army to operate in civilian areas.
Led by student leaders from the Interim Body of the Garo Students’ Union (GSU) and several NGOs, two simultaneous rallies took place in both the towns where the public unanimously raised their voice against any possible imposition of AFSPA in the Garo Hills.
Processions were taken out from chandmari playground in Tura and Rongrenggre field in Williamnagar towards the respective deputy commissioners’ offices in the two district headquarters. Protestors raised their voice against AFSPA and carried banners opposing it during the twin processions.
In Tura, speaker after speaker highlighted the dangers of AFSPA and cited examples of gross human rights violations by the army in places where the draconian law is in place, including Manipur and Assam.
“Atrocities against the civilian population will be immense if the army is allowed to operate under the AFSPA. Right now the situation doesn’t warrant it. It will only get worse if AFSPA is imposed and the biggest sufferers and victims will be the civilian population,” said Co-chairman of the Garo Hills State Movement Committee Nikman Ch Marak at the rally.
“AFSPA is not the solution to bringing peace and only a united public movement can succeed. Once AFSPA is imposed it is very difficult to withdraw it and atrocities will take place since the army will operate with impunity without having to answer to the civilian authorities,” added Nikman.
Youth politician Roger Benny A Sangma also cautioned against imposition of AFSPA and said the common people will be at the receiving end of both militants and security forces.
“If people are united and work towards peace AFSPA will not be required,” said Roger Benny.
“Why should the people of Garo Hills suffer for the misdeeds of a handful of people?” questioned GSU leader from Tikrikilla Walseng N Sangma as he expressed concern about army atrocities on innocent civilians. He also appealed to the militants to come over ground and settle for peace.
Coming down hard on the militant-politician nexus in the state, particularly in Garo Hills, the GSU Interim Body President Zikku Balgra N Marak demanded that a CBI investigation should be instituted to unearth the connection between politicians and militants.
Mothers Union president from Dalu Archana R Marak, All A’chik Youth Federation (AAYF) president Salsam Marak and GHSMC leader Balkarin Ch Marak were others who also addressed the public at the rally.
The Public rally organised by the NGOs of Williamnagar to protest against the imposition of AFSPA in Garo Hills was attended by more than 1,500 people comprising of Nokmas, Sordars, Senior Citizens, Shopkeepers & People of other communities.
Social activist, Brenarjee B. Sangma explained to the gathering about the huge negative effects of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and why it should be opposed.
