Imphal, February 12: Janata Dal (Secular) National president HD Deve Gowda has stated that his party is also firmly committed to the public demand to safe guard the territorial integrity of Manipur and removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the State.

Addressing an election meeting for the JD (S) candidate of Khundrakpam AC L Saratchandra today, Deve Gowda, who is also a former Prime Minister of the country, said there should be no question raised on the territorial integrity of Manipur and JD (S) would face every challenges that pose a threat to the territorial integrity of Manipur.

JD (S) would also work towards repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from Manipur, he pledged.

He predicted that no political party would get absolute majority in the ongoing election to the 9th Assembly.

Therefore despite fielding only a few number of candidates in the election, successful JD (S) candidates will join hands with other like-minded political parties in the formation of the next Government in Manipur, he said, adding that Central leaders of the party have been paying special attention in this regard.

Blaming the Government at the Centre, Deve Gowda said it is due to lack of concern on the part of the Centre that the law and order condition in Manipur has deteriorated over the years.

Transport and communication facilities have also worsened and the problem of unemployment among the educated youths is growing, he asserted.

If the JD (S) candidates, though few in number, emerge victorious in the election, JD (S) would definitely give special thrust on developmental activities in Manipur, he assured.

Party candidate L Saratchandra who also spoke at the occasion asserted that it should be the responsibility of the State Cabinet to take a definite decision on removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur leaving aside the contention whether it is a Central Act or not.