State has power to remove 'Disturb Area' status: Khaidem Mani
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 19 2022:
The State government has the power to remove 'Disturb Area' status which has been in the State for the last 42 years.
MHRC Chairperson Khaidem Mani said this at a consultation programme organised by the Commission under the theme 'Prospect of Peace and withdrawal of the disturbed area under AFSPA' at Imperial Hall in Classi Grande today.
Speaking at the event, Khaidem Mani said the disturb area status was implemented in the entire State of Manipur on September 8, 1980 .
He added that withdrawal of AFSPA is the responsibility of the Central Government while the disturb area status is to be removed by the State Government.
Khaidem Mani said the State Government as well as experts in the State seemed to be oblivious of this fact.
AFSPA-1958 is one of the largest elements under which ambit numerous human rights violations have been committed and added even the Supreme Court has remarked that AFSPA, albeit being a valid Act, should not be implemented for a long period, he added.
Khaidem Mani said the people and MHRC should together pressure the Government for the removal of disturb area status in the State and AFSPA.
He also deliberated on the need to bring a political settlement to the insurgency problem in the State as insurgency problems are being cited as the main reason for the continuation of AFSPA in the State.
The consultation programme was also attended by senior journalist Pradeep Phanjoubam; JNU Associate Professor Dr Bimol Koijam; former VC of MU (in-charge) Prof Amar Yumnam; Nonibala Narengbam (WING Manipur); Dr Deben Bachaspatimayum, coordinator PINE and visiting faculty NEISSR; Dr Homen Thangjam; U Nobokishor, United NGO Mission Manipur; Ronica Vungmuankim, lecturer Department of Sociology Rayburn College, Churachandpur and Rakesh Meihoubam, director HRLN.