Centre is 'considering' repeal of AFSPA from Manipur, says MP T Raja
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN
Imphal, May 28 2015 :
In an attempt to remove the Armed Forces Special Powers' Act 1958 (AFSPA) Act from the whole of Indian soil, the Centre is discussing to remove the Act from Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir.
This was revealed by MP T Raja, who is a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) team of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The team, comprising 31 MPs, is currently on a three-day visit to Manipur.
The team led by Rajya Sabha MP B Bhattacharya visited the National Sports Academy at the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, Imphal.
There, they were warmly received by the students and the faculty members.
The team also witnessed the talents of the students and interacted with them.
Speaking to media persons on the sideline of the visit, Raja said that the Centre is considering the long-withstanding demands of the people of Manipur and J&K to repeal AFSPA from both the States, and is having discussions to see the prospects of its removal.
It may be mentioned that as a latest development in this matter, the Centre on Thursday announced removal of AFSPA from Mizoram and has decided to withdraw the Act from Tripura.
Raja further said that the purpose of the team's visit in the State is to inspect the various projects taken up in the State with Central-funding.
The team will make a report of the visit and will act on what good can be done for those projects based on the report.
Later in the day, the Central team also visited various parts of Bishnupur district especially Moirang to inspect the projects being taken up there under NEC (North Eastern Council) with Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources.
The team also visited the historical INA Museum at Moirang.