Imphal, Aug. 16 -- Hundreds of students and residents joined a silent rally in Imphal on Sunday, August 16, to mark the 22nd death anniversary of anti-AFSPA activist Pebam Chittaranjan and renew demands for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).

The rally was organised by the Manipur Students' Federation (MSF) as part of the 22nd Students' Martyrdom Day. Participants marched towards the International Imphal Airport road, carrying placards opposing AFSPA and calling for an end to what they described as militarisation and human rights violations.

Chittaranjan, 28, died on August 16, 2004, a day after setting himself ablaze in Bishnupur in protest against the continuation of AFSPA in Manipur.

Tributes were paid at hi...