TODAY -
Why AFSPA still isn't the key poll issue in Manipur
Times of India | K Sarojkumar Sharma & Oinam Sunil, TNN | Jan 11, 2012
Every Manipuri opposes the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), in force across large parts of the state. But no political party seems to believe it is strong enough to swing votes. The state is home to Irom Sharmila Chanu, who has been on an 11-year fast demanding that the tough act that gives security forces sweeping powers be withdrawn. The Act and the diehard rights activist become part of Manipur's political discourse during elections, but are forgotten once the last vote is cast.
The Just Peace Foundation, a rights group formed to support Irom Sharmila's cause, is determined to keep the spotlight on the draconian law. It is organizing a convention of parties on January 14 to discuss ways of repealing the Act.
Congress has played the boundary card well. In the last two elections, it sought to convince voters that only it could ensure the state's boundaries remained intact. This explains CM Okram Ibobi Singh's decision not to allow NSCN (IM) leader Th Muivah enter the state in 2010.
Congress spokesperson N Biren Singh rubbished the argument. "How can they say the Congress is against repealing AFSPA? The Congress government repealed the Act from Imphal city that comprises seven Assembly constituencies in August 2004." Sharmila has expressed dissatisfaction at the way politicians have handled AFSPA.
Some days before Manmohan Singh's December 3 visit to Imphal, she said: "There's no place for the draconian law in this country. I'm struggling for more than 10 years against it." But neither the PM nor Sonia Gandhi said anything on AFSPA when they addressed a public gathering at Kangla Fort here.
Follow the link to read the entire news here
* This Post is uploaded on January 11 2012
* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.
LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
Jump Start
DBS Imphal SubSite |
Readers Mail |
Editorials |
Education Announcements |
Essay |
Exclusive Event |
Flash - Audio Visual |
Incidents |
LFS Imphal SubSite |
News Timeline |
Poetry |
Opinion |
Sports |
Rock Concert |
RSS |
Top Stories |
Wathi Jugai