Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 21:
Flatly rejecting the assurances of the Union MoS for Home Affairs, Prakash Jaiswal, that a final decision over whether the Armed Forces Special Powers Act will be revoked or continue will be taken by August 15, the 32 organisations spearheading the demand for revoking the said Act today said that it is just a ploy of the Government to divert people's attention and announced that they would launch a series of agitation from tomorrow.
Speaking to the media this evening, spokesman of the 32 organisations, Laishram Babloo said that the time has come for all the people of Manipur to come together as one and raise a united demand for the revocation of the AFSPA.
Accusing the Chief Minister of trying to dilute the movement launched by the people, Babloo said that there is no ground to believe the assurance of the Chief Minister that a decision will be taken by August 15.On the allegations that Manorama was a member of an underground outfit, Babloo said the issue is not whether she was a militant or not but the manner in which she was killed.
All the guilty Assam Rifles personnel should be punished, he added.
Meanwhile, the 32 organisations have geared up to intensify their agitation from tomorrow, said Babloo adding that mass sit-in-protests would be held all over tomorrow.
From July 23 till July 27 relay hunger strikes will be carried out while a mass rally will be taken out on July 29.The proposed rally will start from THAU ground at Thangmeiband at 10 am.
The rallyists will then converge at Hatta Kangjeibung where a public meeting will be held.