Imphal, December 30: Despite the boycott call given by the hard liners within the Apunba Lup, the Review Committee which arrived here on December 27 wrapped up their three days mission on a satisfactory note today.

Journalist Sanjoy Hazarika, a member of the panel noted with satisfaction the co-operation extended by a number of civil societies, individuals and family members of the victims who came forward to submit their stories and express their opinion.

Asserting that the visit is not the end of everything, Hazarika said the doors of the panel are always kept open and invited all who want to give their inputs to either write to their office at Delhi or send messages through the e-mail.

Stating that the Committee was moved by the manner in which the people came forward to submit their stories frankly, Hazarika said that they received inputs from about 20 different groups and 40 family members of the victims and individuals.

On the final day of the hearing, the Committee heard the submissions of the Manipur Peoples' Party, All Manipur Nupi Marup and family members of one youth who was allegedly shot dead by police in custody on December 29 this year and some other individuals.

The MPP led by its president O Joy and MLA Dr Nimaichand Luwang urged the Review panel to recommend the total repeal of the AFSPA from the region.

The MPP team met the Review panel for 30 minutes and highlighting the cases of gross human rights violation under AFSPA, urged the team to recommend its repeal.

The MPP also submitted a memorandum to the Review panel.

Later speaking to The Sangai Express, O Joy said that the MPP made it clear to the Committee Chairman Justice BB Jeevan Reddy that the security personnel have been flouting the dos and don'ts laid down by the Supreme Court.

The Committee was also informed of the gross violation of human rights and custodial executions by the security personnel ever since AFSPA was enforced in the State, added Joy.

The Review Committee was also informed of the genuine grievances of the people and the MPP made it clear that the agitation was purely a people's uprising.

"We rubbished the story that the agitation was initiated by the underground organisations before the Review Committee," asserted the MPP president.

"We told the Review team that since AFSPA gives sweeping powers to the security personnel to do as they please, human rights violations have been rampant.

Moreover the Centre is also reluctant to allow the State to take any instances of excesses to the Court.

This in effect means that the people of Manipur have been denied their basic rights to life," said Joy.

Far from quelling the underground organisations, the armed movement has only intensified since AFSPA was enforced, pointed out the MPP to the Review panel.

Joy further said that the Review Committee heard their stand patiently and questioned them whether the police will be able to check the activities of the militants.

"To this we replied, that the problem of insurgency cannot be solved by the security force," informed Joy.

"We made it clear that the armed movement is a political problem and can be solved only when the Governments at the Centre and State address the core issue and also ensure development and provide employment avenues to the youth," added Joy.

The All Manipur Nupi Marup also met the Review team and urged it to recommend the repeal of the Act.

Submitting a representation, the women's body said that the Centre's stand of containing insurgency mili-tarily is not feasible and pointed out that since AFSPA was enforced here, the situation has taken a turn for the worse.

The representation also suggested that the Centre declare a unilateral cease fire to pave the way for a dialogue with the militants.

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