Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 19:
Manipur People's Party president O Joy said that his party would support reviewing of Armed Forces Special Power Act which has been imposed in Manipur for the last 24 years and removal of Disturbed Area Status in a phase-wise manner.
Speaking to media persons at the Babupara official residence of party MLA Dr Nimaichand Luwang today said that reviewing imposition of AFSPA in Manipur is very much required now in the light of frequent cases of misuse of the Act by security personnel.
There is no harm on the part of the State Government to take up steps for removing Disturbed Area Status from certain parts of the State on experimental basis, he said, adding that his party would always support such a move.
The recent case of killing of Th Manorama by Assam Rifles personnel in their custody is not the first instance of misuse of die Act by the security personnel nor it is going to the last, Joy asserted.
As to the alleged of the Government to use its police force for handing over the body of Manorama, which is still lying at the mortuary of RIMS hospital, to her family members, Joy remarked that such threat and use of police force would not work out.
Instead, the Govt should hold talks with other organizations to bring a solution.
Replying to a question from media persons, Joy categorically stated that no positive results would come from trying to suppress the movement of people by security forces.
Govt should also allow the people to air their grievances in a democratic manner, he noted.
He further said that Army personnel do not have much role to play in maintaining law and order in the State.
Moreover, Central paramilitary forces deployed in the State could be made to operate under the directive of State DGP.
Dr Nimaichand Luwang, who also spoke to the media persons, also said that the Govt should work in tandem with the wishes of the people.