Manipur students observe ‘Martyrdom Day’ in memory of 'human torch' Pebam Chittaranjan

A silent protest rally was held in Imphal, Manipur, on August 16, to mark the 21st death anniversary of anti-AFSPA crusader Pebam Chittaranjan Mangang, popularly known as the “human torch” after he self-immolated against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) on August 15, 2004.
 

Since 2005, the Manipur Students’ Federation has been observing his death anniversary as “Students’ Martyrdom Day.”

Honouring his supreme sacrifice, floral tributes were offered at Chittaranjan’s memorial tomb at Takhellambam Leikai, Sega Road. This was followed by a silent rally that began from Takhellambam Leikai, proceeded towards Keishampat Junction, and finally concluded at Imphal College, where a public meeting was held.

A large number of students participated in the rally, carrying placards that read “Repeal AFSPA from Manipur” and “AFSPA 1958 is a draconian law.”

One of the protesters reminded the crowd of the brutality of AFSPA 1958, citing incidents of rape, murder, torture, and fake encounters. He recalled that AFSPA was imposed in the name of suppressing insurgent groups, but it has instead caused immense suffering to the people of Manipur. Among the many heartbreaking incidents, he highlighted the Thangjam Manorama case of 2004, when personnel of the 17 Assam Rifles picked her up from her residence at Bamon Kampu and later killed her in a fake encounter after subjecting her to torture and sexual violence.

While remembering Pebam Chittaranjan’s sacrifice, he said the injustice carried out under AFSPA compelled Chittaranjan to give up his life. At the time, Chittaranjan was 28 years old and serving as an advisor of the Manipur Students’ Federation (MSF).

“The martyr Chittaranjan sacrificed his life by self-immolation demanding the repeal of AFSPA from the state in 2004. He succumbed to his injuries at RIMS Hospital, Imphal, where he was admitted with 85 percent burns and died on August 16, 2004,” he recalled, stressing the urgent need to repeal AFSPA, which, he argued, continues to oppress the state rather than bring peace.