Source: The Sangai Express / PTI
New Delhi, October 08:
Rights activists from Manipur today released to the media what they claimed was the report of the Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee on a controversial anti-terror law that has sparked widespread protests in the state.
The report on the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 they claimed, had recommended the law should be repealed.
The move by the Apunba Lup, a grouping of Manipuri socio-political organisations, came in the wake of a protest here by, Irom Chanu Sharmila, who has been on a fast for the past six years to demand withdrawal of the law.
The activists, however, rejected other recommendations of the Jeevan Reddy Committee, saying any attempt to transfer the "draconian provisions" of AFSPA to any other law was not acceptable.
"While the recommendation to repeal the AFSPA is welcome, the amendments which could make the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 more draconian and allow virtual army rule all over the country, are unacceptable," Babloo Loitongbam, director Human Rights Alert, said releasing the report.
Following widespread protests against the law, the Centre set up the expert panel headed by former Justice Jeevan Reddy to review the legislation in 2004.The panel last year submitted its report to the Centre, which is yet to act on its recommendations.
Babloo also criticised the Delhi Police for not allowing Sharmila to move out of All India Institute of Medical Sciences.