Source: The Sangai Express
New Delhi, August 17:
Manipur Government withdrew the controversial law giving the armed forces special powers in disturbed areas "against the advice" of the Central Government which said in Parliament today that it is "watching" the situation and will take "appropriate action" to meet the situation.
"On 12th of August 2004, against the advice given by the Union Government, the State Government withdrew the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act from the city of Imphal and allowed it to remain in force in rest of the state," Minister of State for Home, Sriprakash Jaiswal, told the Lok Sabha in a statement on the situation in the state.
He said there has been no change in the situation even after the Act was withdrawn from the city of Imphal.
"The Union Government is watching the situation.
It will take appropriate action to meet the situation," he said.
Jaiswal said since Manipur was facing insurgency and militancy for many years it was declared as a disturbed area and the Special Powers Act was used in the entire State.
"Some people in the State are agitating to see that the Act was withdrawn," the Minister said adding the State Government says �the Act did not meet the expectations of the people in the State".
Referring to the allegation that a woman Manorama Devi was killed by the Assam Rifles, which the agitators want to be withdrawn, Jaiswal said "the Armed Forces have started proceedings against those who are alleged to have been responsible for the incident".