Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 31:
The ruling partner of the O Ibobi singh led Secular Progressive Front Government, Communist Party of India has hinted that it might withdraw support if the State Government do not convert into action assurances for revocation of Armed forces Special Powers Act 1958 and disturbed area status tag from Manipur within august 15 this year as announced by the Chief Minister recently.
In the backdrop of intense agitation by the State people demanding removal of AFSPA, punishment of 17 Assam Rifles involved in the killing of Thangjam Manorama and shifting Assam Rifles cantonment from the sacred Kangla a meeting of the CPI�s State council was held at Irawat Bhavan today.
The meeting held extensive debate on wide ranging issues connected to the ongoing agitation being launched by the people following the extra-judicial killing of the 32 year old woman.
Acknowledging and endorsing the current movement the Council members asserted that extending support to the SPF Government should be reviewed if the demands already assured and set deadlines by the Chief Minister could not be implemented into action.
The meeting presided by State secretary B Sharma was attended by MLAs and several party leaders.
According to press sources, members present resolved to press the Government for removal of AFSPA from some parts of the State on trial basis and expanding the same to other areas if the law and order situation improves.
It is pertinent to mention that CPI�s national general Secretary AB Bardhan had apprised Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and conveyed the party�s decision to withdraw from the Congress-led Ibobi Ministry if demand for AFSPA is not conceded.
Today�s meeting terming the people�s demands as reasonable and genuine also adopted a resolution to exert pressure upon the Chief Minister to stick to his declaration for lifting the Act within August 15.It further resolved to remind the Chief Minister to keep his word for punishment of guilty Assam Rifles personnel and shift the AR from Kangla within December month this year, added the source.
To ensure that the resolutions reach the Chief Minister and converted into action the party council meeting decided to hand over the task to the State Executive while appealing to the masses to launch movement in a non-violent and democratic manner while also pledging its active support to the cause.
The council meeting also endorsing the ongoing and understanding the sentiment of the people who have undergone severe agony due to security force excesses under the immunity of AFSPA also desired that law enforcing agencies exercise maximum restrain in discharging duties.