Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 24:
To take stock of the raging situation in the State, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil is scheduled to arrive here on a two day visit on September 5.Talking to The Sangai Express former Chief Minister RK Dorendra said that the information of the Minister's scheduled visit was conveyed when he along with former Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam and Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing called on the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singht today to discuss the prevailing situation in the State.
The Union Minister is expected to meet civil and army officers, political leaders, social workers and leaders of civil societies during his stay at Imphal to discuss the situation thoroughly, said Dorendra.
During the meeting with the Prime Minister, the three political leaders of the State urged him to come to Manipur and study the situation and explore the avenues to revoke the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.
The Prime Minister was also urged to ensure that the Assam Rifles personnel responsible for eliminating Th Manoram in custody be given examplery punishment, said Dorendra adding that Manmohan Singh was also requested to announce a special economic package for the State as well to offer talks to the militant outfits.
The three political leaders also made it clear that the imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act has not been able to quell the underground movement and on the other hand, the security personnel have been doing as they please under the immunity granted by the said Act.
It is precisely because of this, the people have raised such a hue and cry against the Act and demanded its total revocation from the State.
Making their stand clear, the three State leaders argued that if the UPA Government deems it fit to scrap POTA then there should be no reason for the AFSPA to remain in force in Manipur and the North East, said Dorendra.
After listening to the three, the Prime Minister made it clear that Delhi is not in favour of deploying the army in Manipur but since the strength of the State force is not adequate, the Central forces had to be deployed, informed Dorendra.
"We also appealed to the Prime Minister to invite the underground outfits to the negotiating table so that a permanent solution to the age old insurgency movement may be solved once and for all," said Dorendra.
The Prime Minister was urged to do all that is possible to invite the different groups to the negotiating table, added Dorendra.