Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 21:
Taking note of the existing stand off between the State Government and the agitationists on the question of total revocation of AFSPA from Manipur, Senior Citizens for Society has pointed out that the need of the hour is not confrontation but dialogue to resolve the impasse.
In a statement, general secretary of the Society L Sadananda Singh suggested that the Govt should release all the protestors arrested in connection with the ongoing agitation and initiate steps to hold dialogue with the agitationists to restore peace and normalcy in the State.
The Society asserted that the most remarkable feature of the more than two-month long struggle for revocation of AFSPA from Manipur is the ever increasing attention and support of the people not only in the North East region but also from different parts of the country and world.
The considered opinions expressed by many National leaders and policy makers would give more weight to the struggle for restoration for democratic rights in Manipur, the Society statement said.
It is strongly felt that there is an imperative necessity to accelerate and strengthen the cause of the people and in this connection the Society has decided to play its part in organizing a National level seminar or conference, the statement informed.
The statement further said that continued suspension of classes in all education institutions in the State for many days on account of the ongoing agitation is a matter of serious concern.
It is fear that further suspension of classes would cause irreparable loss to the academic life of the students who are the future destiny molders of the State, the statement said.
The Society also fervently appealing to all the organizations spearheading the present movement to spare as far as possible the academic activities of the students from the purview of their agitation programmes.