Imphal, November 21: Out-rightly rejecting the proposal of the Centre to review the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, the Apunba Lup today said that the people of Manipur cannot be taken for a ride by such policies as laying the foundation stone of a rail head, foundation stone of a Capitol Project or converting MU to a Central University.

Even the handing over of Kangla is something which should have been done a long time back and there is no reason why the people should be taken in by all the glitter and hype when their right to life is being threatened by an Act such as the AFSPA.

The lives sacrificed, the tears and sweat and the long protest of the people will come to naught if any compromise is made on the people's demand to totally revoke the AFSPA from the State, said the Lup in a statement today.

Ever since Manipur merged with the Indian Union, the people have had to raise their voice and demand their dues, said the statement and reminded all that the time has come for the people to renew their agitation.

The ban on teaching Hindi and NCC activities is already underway, said the Lup and reasoned that there is no reason why the people should learn Hindi when the Indian Government does not care about the plight of the people of Manipur.

Similarly NCC activities is nothing but to brain wash the children and assimilate them into the Indian thoughts which will ultimately dilute their identities as Manipuris, said the statement further.

The recent killing of a 75 year old retired teacher at Bungte Chiru by Assam Rifles troops is a fitting case that as long as AFSPA remains, the rights of the people will continue to be violated with impunity.

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