Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 30:
A twelve member team of Apunba Lup will be leaving for New Delhi tomorrow to hold talks with the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil on complete removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 from the State.
The names of the twelve member team who will be leaving for Delhi tomorrow was submitted to the Governor today.
The names included in the list are Arambam Lokendro, MK Binodini and M Joychandra from the intellectual circle, DESAM president L Romesh, MSF president Gourachandra and AMSU president Umesh representing student organizations, social activists Surjit Langdon, Babloo Laishram and L Jadumani.
The meira paibis would be represented by Th Ramani (Nupi Samaj), L Memchoubi (Poirei Leimarol Meira paibi) N Sorojini (AMKIL) and Y Leirik (Kanglei Mei).
Commerce and Industries Secretary RK Nimai who will represent the Govt will also serve as guide of the twelve member team.
The team will be highlighting among other atrocities committed by the security force personnel under the immunity granted by the AFSPA, complete removal of all repressive laws from the State and the indefinite hunger strike launched by Irom Sharmila Chanu during the meeting with the PM and the Union Home Minister slated for November 1.Following an understanding reached between the Govt and Apunba Lup leaders, the Govt on its part had agreed to release all persons arrested during the mass agitations in the State while the Apunba Lup leaders also agreed to suspend bans on Hindi subjects in educational institutions and NCC activities till a final outcome of the talks.
However all other form of agitation still remains in effect.
It may be noted here that 37 individuals who were arrested during the tumultuous period have been released today.
Those released included 19 NSA detainees and 18 detained under UTP.
On the other hand, MK Binodini who is among the names included in the list for holding talks with the PM today informed The Sangai Express that she would not take part in the talks inspite of being included in the twelve member team.
Binodini further stated she had decided not to take part in the meeting as it would hurt the prestige of the Apunba Lup if the Central Government decides contrary to aspirations and sentiments of the people.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister O Ibobi today called on the Governor at Raj Bhavan.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh.
Even though no officials report was received about the purpose of the CM's visit, it is speculated that it might be related with the up-coming talks between the Apunba Lup and the Prime Minister and the issue regarding the release of the detainees who were imprisoned during the recent agitation against the continued imposition of AFSPA in the State.