Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 29:
Moderate members of the Apunba Lup who met members of the Review Committee yesterday described the meeting and the assurance given by the Committee as a step towards realisation of the repeal of the AFSPA.
In view of this fact, attempt to stop the people who have suffered untold miseries under AFSPA from meeting the Review Committee members should not be pardoned and the sincerity of those who claim to be the representatives of the people while threatening them against speaking out their mind is questionable, publicity sub-committee of the Working Committee of the Apunba Lup said in a statement jointly signed by L Ibomcha and M Shivadutta.
Such elements are like the agents of the Indian Govt which does not want to lift the Act at any cost, the statement charged.
Freedom of expression of the people should be respected, and they should be allowed to air their grievances to the Review Committee.
Otherwise what is the difference between them and the security forces who are out to muffle the voice of the people, the statement asked.
Let the people who have suffered enough under the repressive Act come out voluntarily and all of them would definitely put pressure on the Review Committee members for doing away with the Act, the statement asserted.
Despite the intimidation and threat, no one would be able to stop the people from airing their grievances to the Review Committee and every effort to stop them would only backfire, the statement added.
Expressing confidence that the Act would be lifted if the people stand united against it, the Apunba Lup extended gratitude to all those people who have met the Review Committee and air their grievances.