Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 18:
Ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh�s first visit to Imphal later this week, Government tonight decided to set up a five-member committee headed by a former Supreme Court judge to review the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in operation in Manipur.
The decision comes in the face of a persistent demand for withdrawal of the Act by �Apunba Lup�, an amalgam of 32 agitating Manipuri outfits.
Besides the Supreme Court judge, the Committee would comprise a retired senior civil servant, a retired senior army officer, an eminent person from the North-East and an eminent jurist, official sources said.
"The Committee, which would have a look at the 1958 Act as amended from time to time and suggest what needs to be done, is expected to submit its report within six months," they said.
Formal orders for setting up the Committee and its terms of reference would be issued soon, the sources said.
The Prime Minister had assured a delegation of the Apunba Lup, which had called on him earlier this month, that the Government would consider replacing the controversial Act with a more "humane" law that would seek to address the concerns of national security and as well as rights of citizens.
Manipur had witnessed widespread violent protests following the alleged custodial killing of a woman by Assam Rifles jawans in July.
The State Government has already withdrawn the Act from Imphal municipal areas.
During his two-day visit to Manipur beginning November 20, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hand over the Kangla Fort, housing the Assam Rifles, to the State Government which would convert it to a heritage site.
A delegation of Apunba Lup would meet the Prime Minister during his stay in Imphal.