Imphal, October 28: Chief Minister O Ibobi today stated that though the State Government has more than hinted that it wants the Armed Forces Special Powers Act to go from the State to the Centre, it cannot be immediately translated into action due to certain compulsions.

Speaking at the opening session of the two day seminar organized by the Editors' Forum, Manipur under the theme, "Development and Peace", the Chief Minister said that enough hints have been conveyed to the Centre that the State Government as well as the people want the AFSPA to go.

Elaborating, the Chief Minister said, "The very fact that the State Govt revoked the Disturbed Area Act from the Imphal Municipal areas is enough indication that the people of Manipur wants the AFSPA to be revoked".

Assuring that the aspirations and sentiments of the people were effectively highlighted to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil during his recent visit to Delhi, the Chief Minister said, "I told them in no uncertain terms that the people want the revocation of AFSPA from Manipur".

On the proposed meeting between representatives of the Apunba Lup and the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister said the move is a positive one and added that since Delhi is sure to ask for the views of the State Govt, he has already asked the Centre to keep the State posted on any development.

Striking a practical tone, the Chief Minister said it will take time for the Act to be withdrawn from the whole of Manipur and explained that it will have to be debated and discussed on the floor of Parliament.

He therefore appealed to the people to wait till such time comes.

Though the CM talked about the people's demand to lift the Act, he also touched upon the possibility of reviewing or modifying the Act.

The Apunba Lup on the other hand had demanded not only the lifting of the Act but scrapping it altogether.

Acknowledging the rampant violation of human rights committed by security personnel in the North East region, under the immunity granted by the Act, the Chief Minister said the time is more than ripe to either review the clauses of AFSPA or to modify it.

On the other hand, the Government also has to ensure the safety and security of its citizens as well as the integrity of India, said the Chief Minister.

Such a ground reality means that often the Govt is caught in a dilemma, he added.

On the insurgency problem afflicting the State, the Chief Minister said that earlier it was Sajik Tampak, where Government officials were summoned by the underground organizations.

Now it has shifted to the periphery of the Loktak Lake.

Such practices have led to untold suffering and the people have been brow beaten into passive submission, he added.

Ibobi claimed that the Govt has received numerous complaints against militants from the public of CCpur proper, Henglep, Saikot, Thanlon etc.

On the recent eviction drive launched, the Chief Minister said that the Government has to take certain tough action to pave the way for development.

The interest of the whole population of Manipur is of paramount importance, said the Chief Minister adding that the interest of all the people cannot be compromised for the sake of a few hundred.

The action of the Government should not be seen as misusing State power, said the Chief Minister and reminded the meeting that the Govt acquired the land through the proper channel and added that orders were issued more than a year back for the owner of Surana Motors to come forward for compensation.

Till today no one has come forward as the rightful owner, he added.

A sum of Rs 2 crore has been set aside to pay compensation to the displaced persons, said the Chief Minister and added that the rate fixed by the Govt is Rs 15 lakhs for one acre of land.

On the present uproar raised against the killing of three youths, who numerous Kuki groups have claimed as innocent people, the Chief Minister said that the police have been on their track for quite some time.

The version of the police is that they were KNF members, he added.

However to get to the bottom of the matter an inquiry will be instituted and if the police are found guilty of any misdemeanor, then fitting action will be taken up, assured the Chief Minister.

Comment