Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 19:
Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has been charged of trying to sideline any discussion on the public demand for lifting of Armed Forces Special Power Act from Manipur during the All Political parties meeting convened yesterday in the backdrop of public outcry against custodial death of Th Manorama.
Addressing a press conference at the party office here today, secretariat member of State Unit CPI(M) Y Ratan disclosed that it was only under great pressures from other political parties that Chief Minister relented and the issue was finally taken up for discussion.
During the meeting, Chief Minister while admitting to that fact of excesses committed by security personnel, however, requested the members for discussion the burning issue of removal of Armed Forces Special Power Act in some other meeting.
But suggestions were put forward for taking up steps to repeal the Act from certain parts of the State at least according to the wishes of the people, Ratan informed.
As the law and order is a State subject, CPI (M) is of the view that the State Government has the power to book the guilty AR personnel and conduct of judicial inquiry into the case would be more meaningful, he said, adding that this same view of the party was raised during the meeting.
His party, Ratan said, had also expressed strong reservation against imposition of curfew to suppress the movement of the people during the all parties meeting.
Another point that was raised during the meeting by his party was the need for opening up mobile fair price shops in view of the problems being faced by the people due to imposition of indefinite curfew, he said.
Expressing party's solidarity with the people who are agitating against the atrocities of the security personnel, Ratan appealed to the people to restrain from violence and conduct agitation in a democratic manner.
State Govt should also allow such democratic agitations, he demanded.