Imphal, February 08: Laying stress on autonomy for Manipur, the election manifesto of the FPM, which was released by its president Dr L Chandramani and vice president Gangmumei Kamei today, said that the pre-merger political status of Manipur as provided in the Manipur State Constitution Act, 1947 and the Instrument of Accession and Stand Still Agreement signed by the Maharaja of Manipur and the Government of India should be considered for renegotiation for the autonomy of Manipur under the Indian Republic.

The spirit of Article of 370 (in respect of Kashmir) and Act 371 dealing with the autonomy of Nagaland should be combined to provide autonomy for Manipur, said FPM.

FPM also stands for decentralization or devolution of power to self governing institutions and strengthening of zilla parishads and gram sabhas.

The six autonomous district council under the Manipur Hill Areas Autonomous District Council Act, 2000 should be constituted and made functional, said the manifesto.

The manifesto further said that the there should be equal representation of the States to the Rajya Sabha irrespective of their size and population.

It also mooted equal power and function of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Calling for a review of the division of power between the States and the Centre, FPM said that the concurrent lists should be given to the States.

Stressing on unity and integrity of Manipur, the manifesto said that FPM stands for the common destiny of the people of Manipur and added that Manipur has been home to a number of communities for ages.

FPM will stand for the protection of this unity, pledged the manifesto.

On the problem of militancy, FPM said the issue should be taken as a political problem.

Militants should not be treated as terrorists, said FPM and added the problem here should be regarded as a National problem.

Stating that negotiation is the only way to bring a lasting solution, FPM proposed negotiations between the Centre and underground outfits of Manipur and the North East without any pre-conditions from either side.

To protect human rights, FPM said it is against POTO and asked for the revocation of AFSPA, 1958.The party also demanded political prisoner status for militants when arrested and imprisoned.

FPM will also strive for development and expansion of Manipur University to develop it into a Center for Excellence.

On transport and communication, FPM promised to implement the WB funded projects and to introduce a railway line from Jiribam to Imphal etc.

FPM also promised to place priorities on development of power generation project, employment to the unemployed, full implementation of 5th Pay Commission, review of the working of the public sector undertakings, police hospital.