Source: The Sangai Express
New Delhi, August 04:
Expressing concern over the ongoing agitation in Manipur pressing for withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) today dwelt at length on the situation there while making it clear that the security forces will accord highest respect to human rights.
At the 90-minute meeting, held in 'War Room' of the South Block chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the CCS felt that army operations should continue in the border State in view of the recent success gained against the PLA insurgents.
While giving a green signal for operations to continue, the CCS emphasized that utmost importance should be given to maintaining human rights.
The Manipur crisis figured in the meeting which was also attended by Union Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and top army and intelligence officers.
The review by CCS of the situation in Manipur comes in the wake of the Prime Minister holding a series of meetings with leaders of major political parties to evolve a consensus on how to deal with the situation in the state without compromising on national security.
The various social organizations have alleged that a woman Manorama Singh was raped and killed by men of the Assam Rifles.
Agitationists have been demanding withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act which has been in force in the State for the last 27 years.
Assam Rifles has claimed that the woman was a member of the underground outfit PLA.
Informed sources said the Prime Minister felt that the situation in Manipur should be handled in such a way that the concerns of the people there were addressed while ensuring national security requirements were not compromised.
The army has launched Operation Hifazat II against PLA hideouts near the Myanmar border and has recently inducted another brigade into the state for these operations.
While, the new brigade has been concentrated at Churachandpur area, the 44th army brigade is conducting operations in Sajik Thampak area.