Hundreds of activists and students from the north east  staged dharna in front of Assam Bhawan in New Delhi on Wednesday in protest against the recent gangrape of a woman in Kokrajhar district.

 Under the banner of North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS), the protestors condemned the brutal gang rape of a pregnant woman by the two army jawans.  NEFISdemands immediate arrest of the army personnel who raped the woman.

 Eminent activist Maya John of Centre for Struggling Women also joined the protest and pointed out the role of “AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act)”  in granting impunity to the Armed forces personnel who have been abusing the people of North-East including Assam, who have faced various forms of repression in the past. 

 Among which women are the most vulnerable victims, facing brutal exploitation such as rape. It is to be noted that AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) is imposed in various districts of Assam under which Army officers have legal immunity for their actions.

There are serious chances of putting even this rape case under the carpet as done earlier. Police cannot take any action against the perpetrators unless the Home Ministry gives permission for the same. Such provisions clearly stand against common masses as such cases are gross violation of human rights and justice. 

NEFIS will take the issue further in the coming days if the government does not immediately arrest the perpetrators and takes action against them, said Hem Chandra Brahma.