Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 07:
Giving a series of suggestions to tide over the prevailing unsettling situation in the State, Confederation Union of Outer Manipur today said that all the State Govt�s machineries and social organizations spearheading the ongoing movement for lifting of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 should pursue the cause sincerely.
Law making bodies and people representatives should not denied that fact that they have the power to remove the Act.
They only lack sincerity towards fulfilling the aspiration of the people for their own vested interest, a statement of the Confederation made available to the press today said.
Chief Minister O Ibobi should also summon a special Assembly session for discussion the issue, the statement demanded, while decrying the present Ministers and MLAs joining the ongoing people�s movement as hypocrites who could go to any extend to put up a show for their own personnel gain.
Without mincing any words the confederation further said that the recent visit of Union Home MoS for Home Affairs Sriprakash Jaiswal to take stock of the prevailing situation in the State as a farce and his alleged double standard on the issue of lifting AFSPA from Manipur as an insult to the people of Manipur.
This is not the first of its kind policy adopted by the Govt of India towards the people of the tiny State, the Confederation lambasted.
It, however, expressed reservation from assuming that the problem in the State could be resolved for all time to come after lifting the repressive Act unless the various insurgents groups operating in the State stop targeting security forces and killing of civilians on corruption charges, extortion demands, etc.
In view of these facts, the CM and the 32 organizations spearheading the present movement should form a good will team to approach the Govt of India and the insurgent groups for a meaningful dialogue, the Confederation suggested.