Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 18:
Describing the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 as 'poisonous and anti-democratic', State Unit BJP president H Borobabu has stated that the party is committed to the public demand to repeal the draconian Act from Manipur and would go along with other like-minded political parties on the issue.
Talking to mediapersons at the Nityaipat Chuthek office of the State unit BJP here today, Borobabu, however, refrained from commenting on the stand of the party units in other North Eastern States which have been reeling under the impact of the Act that gives sweeping powers to the SF.
Nonetheless, while responding to a query on whether BJP would come out openly in support of the demand for withdrawal of the Act if the matter is put up for discussion during the forthcoming Winter session of the Parliament, Borobabu reiterated that the ultimate goal of the party is to remove the Act from Manipur and added the 'Parliament matter' would also come about automatically.
Talking about his meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) N Gopalswamy yesterday, Borobabu disclosed that his party raised the issue of implementing a 'no security, no vote' policy in Manipur in connection with the forthcoming 9th State Assembly election.
The State Unit BJP has also urged the upon the CEC to make photo identity cards essential for all the voters whose name are included in the Electoral Rolls as well as for allowing video recording of the voting process in all the polling stations for ensuring free and fair conduct of the election, he informed, adding that his party and the people do not have faith on the sincerity of a Government backed by underground elements.
Without these measures, election would be reduced to mere selection process, he added.
In the interest of free and fair conduct of the upcoming polls, the State unit BJP leader also proposed deployment of two Central observers in each of the polling stations apart from utilising the Central security forces instead of the State police personnel on duty during the election.
While announcing that the Election Manifestos Committee of the party has been set up, Borobabu further disclosed that 40 to 50 party candidates would be fielded in the election.