Source: Imosa/The Sangai Express
New Delhi, November 01:
After patiently listening to the case presented by the Apunba Lup team, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh gave the demand of the people a certain degree of legitimacy by admitting that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act is indeed �draconian�.
Talking to The Sangai Express at the Bir Tikendrajit Marg Manipur Bhavan this evening, leader of the team Lokendra Arambam described the meeting with the PM as a heart to heart discussion on the issue and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the PM for his sincerity to address the problem faced by the people of Manipur.
A North East Sun correspondent was also present.
Significantly the Prime Minister is said to have described AFSPA as draconian which Lokendra believe is a landmark achievement in presenting the demands of the people.
Lokendra reiterated that lifting of AFSPA from the entire NE region and not only from Manipur is the aim of the Lup.
The soft spoken Manmohan is said to have been emotionally struck by the tearful narration of extra-judicial killings, rape of women, fake encounters carried out by security force personnel under AFSPA, which was presented by one of the three Meira Paibis.
Even as the Meira Paibi broke down while recalling all the horrors of the past, the PM is said to have offered her a glass of water.
This gesture was beautiful, said Lokendra.
Meanwhile, one of the five MAFYF agitators who attempted self-immolation at near the CM�s residence - Moirangthem Ranjan - underwent skin drafting on the right leg on October 24 at Safdarjung Hospital here.
Ranjan, who still requires similar medical attention on the other leg is informed to be currently placed under strict vigil at the Burn & Maxilogy and Plastic Surgery ward of the hospital.