Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 02:
Even as Chief Minister O Ibobi is busy lobbying with Central leaders at New Delhi to discuss the possibility of revoking the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the State, the Political Party Forum, floated by the Opposition, today categorically stated that there is no need for the CM to lobby with New Delhi as the State Cabinet can easily lift the Disturbed Area Act.
As part of the strategy to put more heat on the Government to lift the said Act, the Opposition is set to stage a dharna in front of the Assembly on August 4.With the deadline set by the Opposition to lift the AFSPA from the State already expiring, the All Political Party Forum today submitted representations to the Governor, Chief Minister and the Speaker urging them to convene a special session of the Assembly within 48 hours to discuss the issue at hand.
Later speaking to newsmen at the Manipur Press Club, convenor of the Forum, Dr L Chandramani said that if the SPF Cabinet is hesitant about taking such an important decision as lifting the Disturbed Area Act from the State, then the matter may be discussed on the floor of the House and scrapped.
The House may also pass a resolution to urge the Centre to scrap the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.
The Forum has taken such a stand not to exploit the situation for any political gains, but to extend all possible help to the Government to resolve the matter, Dr Chandramani stressed.
All political organizations, including the Congress have demanded that the Act be lifted, said Chandramani and questioned why the Chief Minister is so hesitant about taking a definite stand on the matter.
The situation is very volatile, said the convenor and further questioned why the Governor, the Chief Minister and the Speaker should be out of station at such a critical juncture.
DPA leader RK Dorendra, who was also present, said that if the anger of the people is to be pacified then the only way is to convene a special session of the Assembly where all the 59 MLAs can unanimously decide to lift the DAA from the State.
Stating that the continued imposition of the Act has not served any purpose, Dorendra said that other than alienating the people and proving counter productive, the Act has done nothing positive.
On the other hand the activities of the underground groups have intensified, he noted.