SHILLONG: Shillong Press Club (SPC) observed National Press Day on Monday exactly a week after the scheduled date which is November 16 when media in the entire nation observes it.
The theme for this year’s National Press Day observance as outlined by the Press Council of India was, “Impact of cartooning and caricature as medium of expression of opinion.” The SPC chose its own theme, “Can AFSPA usher in lasting peace?”
Granted that the High Court directive to the Central Government to impose AFSPA in Garo Hills to contain the deteriorating law and order had elicited strong reactions from NGOs and civil society activists from across Meghalaya and the country but does the SPC have to join the bandwagon of civil society and human rights activists?
There were as many as 600 kidnappings in five years in Meghalaya resulting in the death of many of the victims from Assam besides agony to 10,000 persons affected by extortions by the militants, according to Aminul Islam, Chief Adviser of Assam -Meghalaya Peace Forum.
While taking part in the discussion on AFSPA here on Monday, Islam, who was one of the panelists, demanded implementation of AFSPA citing the number of people who were kidnapped and killed in Garo Hills border coupled with the plight of as many as 10,000 border residents who were compelled to pay ransom to the militant groups in the border for the last five years.
General Secretary (in charge media cell) of Assam -Meghalaya Peace Forum, Animur Rahman, another panelist, also reiterated the need to impose AFSPA due to atrocities being committed against the border residents by the militants.
Other panelists included P.B.M. Basaiawmoit, Convener of North East Dialogue Forum, Samuel Jyrwa, Chairman, NESO and G.H.P. Raju, IG, Law and Order.
The panelists against the motion were Basaiawmoit and Jyrwa while Rahman and Islam represented the panel for the motion.
In his discourse, Basaiawmoit threw light on the formation of AFSPA questioning whether it has a place in a democracy. He pointed out that in Tripura it was removed in May while the same was removed from Arunachal Pradesh after stiff opposition from the people. He recalled the report of the Jeevan Ram Committee that called for its repeal.
“On mere account of suspicion, any person can be arrested, even exterminated,” he said.
Terming the Act as draconian, Jyrwa said, “It gives the security forces absolute power without any ground based only on suspicion. The Act was enforced in Manipur, Nagaland, but violence and insurgency continues; the consequences of the Act will bring innumerable suffering.”
He added that it does not spring from communal tensions. “It is a crime committed by a handful of individuals. In this case why the whole community should suffer? It is an irony that India being a democratic country prefers to uphold the law,” he added.
While the pro Act panelist, Islam claimed there were as many as 600 people killed and traceless in the last five years, and added, “The Union Government will have to take immediate step to come up with the need for peaceful means. The sole demand in today’s society is peaceful co-existence.”
“It should be imposed in western Meghalaya but innocent people should not be harassed, we cannot overrule the High Court order,” he added.
However, G.H.P. Raju took the middle path, highlighting that in a democracy there are 3 Ds – Debate, Discuss and Decide – and added that the platform provided an arena where the intelligentsia can discuss the crucial issue.
He urged the parents to bring their children to the right path which will prevent youths from going astray and taking up arms.
“The main instrument is the family, values of the family should take roots,” he added.
He also called upon the Church leaders in the Garo Hills to take the responsibility to strengthen the family.
However, there was no specific conclusion as Blah pointed out that people were confused over the uncontrolled criminal acts of the militants.
Tilak Rai, representing the State press fraternity, suggested for a middle path to address the current problem in Garo Hills, stating, “The society plays an important role. The solution lies in using force only when needed.”
