On July 15, 2004, 12 mothers of Manipur took the decisive step of disrobing themselves in front of the Kangla Fort, Imphal, the then Assam Rifles Headquarters, in protest against the custodial rape and murder of Thangjam Manorama
TFM Desk
Manipur observed the 17th Anti-Repression Day remembering the historic women’s protest at Kangla Fort. The main function by Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL) was organised at Human Rights Alert (HRA), Conference Hall, Kwakeithel.
On July 15, 2004, 12 mothers of Manipur took the decisive step of disrobing themselves in front of the Kangla Fort, Imphal, the then Assam Rifles Headquarters, in protest against the custodial rape and murder of Thangjam Manorama. Manorama was arrested by 17 Assam Rifles on the intervening night of July 10 and 11, 2004 from her own house and her lifeless corpse was found lying at Ngariyan foothills the next morning.
The defiant act of the Meira Paibi leaders triggered a massive public protest in Manipur against the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 (AFSPA). Months of sustained civil disobedience movement was calmed down only when the then Prime Minister of India promised “to replace AFSPA with a more humane act”.
The ‘disturbed area’ status under AFSPA was lifted from seven assembly constituencies of greater Imphal and the historic Kangla Fort was handed over to the people of Manipur after more than a century of military occupation.
“With the observance of Anti-Repression Day, the mothers hope that the moral pressure of the historic Kangla protest reaches to all the forces of repression and continues to be an inspiration to all the women fighting for justice and equality. They still stand firmly on their vision of a healthy Manipur and continue to be deeply concerned at the menace of drugs and narcotics, degenerating every section of our society. Manipur owes a great deal to the sacrifice of the 12 brave souls,” stated the committee in a release.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, this year, the observance committee of Anti-Repression Day is organising smaller meetings at the districts by strictly following safety protocols.
The Anti-Repression Day was observed at — Kha Nongpok Apunba Nupi Lup, Ima Kondong Lairembi Haraobung, Moreh; Jiri lma Meira Paibi Apunba Lup (JIMPAL), Conference Hall, Jiribam; Thoubal Ima, Charangpat Thoubal; Apunba Nupi Lup (ANUL), Bishnupur; Nongpok Leingak Conference Hall, Wankhei, Imphal East; NIMPAL Office Conference Hall, Khwai Brahmapur, Uripok; All Manipur Social Reformation and Development Samaj, Lamphel, and Tammi Chingmi, Yambem Leikai, Uripok.
During the main function by Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL) at Human Rights Alert (HRA), Conference Hall, Kwakeithel, a short video entitled “Ema Tara-Nithoi: The Spirit of Defiance Episode 1: Ema Momon” was released. 12 episodes, depicting the lives of the 12 brave mothers will be released every month till the next anniversary.
The observation committee also wished speedy recovery of Ema Ramani and Ema Momon who are currently struggling with COVID infection. The observation committee prayed for the good health and well-being of all the brave mothers of Manipur.