Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 19:
Keishamthong AC MLA L Ibomcha Singh has termed the constitution of the AFSPA Review Committee yesterday, inspite of the State being embroiled in agitations for over four months, as another vivid reflection of the indifferent attitude of the Union Govt towards the people of Manipur.
The demand of the people is nothing short of the total removal of the draconian Act from the State and not replacement of it by another form of repressive law, said the MLA who also questioned what compelled the union to set six months as the deadline for submission of report when POTA could be scrapped expeditiously.
In case the Government of India is keen enough to address the suffering of the people of Manipur only a week is required for revision of AFSPA�s four sections, pointed out the MLA.
Even after the panel report is submitted by the sixth month the process necessitates perusal by the Home and Law Ministry that could consume some more precious time during which the security personnel are liable abuse human rights but remain aloft from any punitive action under immunity granted by AFSPA, Ibomcha observed in a statement issued today.
He also argued that it would have been more appropriate had the Government endeavoured to place the matter before the Parliament in the forthcoming Winter Session to arrive at a consensus and expedite process for scrapping the AFSPA.
Ibomcha further questioned whether the new law to replace AFSPA would entertain provision to grant excess power to security force personnel either the new proposed act would be applicable to all place of India or only confined to North East region.