Imphal, Aug. 16 -- Hundreds of people, mostly students, participated in a silent rally along the International Imphal Airport road to mark the 21st death anniversary of Pebam Chittaranjan, a student who self-immolated in protest against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) of 1958.

The rally, organized by the Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF), called for the complete repeal of AFSPA in Manipur.

The rally began at Keishampat in the heart of Imphal city and concluded at the Imphal College complex near Imphal Airport on Saturday.

Participants paid floral tributes to Pebam Chittaranjan Mangang, who, at the age of 28, self-immolated on August 15, 2004, in protest against the ongoing imposition of AFSPA in the state.

At the time ...