Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 03:
Describing the prevailing situation in Manipur, following the widespread agitation to demand removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958, as very critical, Communist party of India (Marxists) MPs Mithel Anand and Chandrakala Pande have urged the Central party leaders to take positive measures to solve the impasse.
The two MPs who are on a three day visit to the State since September 1 to assess ground reality, told media-persons at State Guest House that detailed reports on the prevailing situation have been faxed to party leaders in New Delhi.
During their stay here the two visited and interacted with family members of Thangjam Manorama Devi and Pebam Chittaranjan Mangang, injured persons being treated at hospitals as well as hunger striker Irom Sharmila Chanu at JN Hospital.
After collecting information from all available sources and grievances expressed during their interaction with the people, detailed reports have been faxed to Central party leaders the detailing ground reality, they stated.
The MPs also assured that the CPM politburo members would be consulted on their return to the national capital to pressurize Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil to find an amicable solution.
While endorsing the people�s movement for withdrawal of AFSPA, Mithel Anand, nevertheless, expressed strong concern on reports that agitators had burnt the national flag and raised anti-national slogans.
The MP also expressed grave concern over students burning text books and disruption of normal academic atmosphere through closing down of educational institutions in connection with the agitation for scrapping of black laws and punishment of security personnel involved in the killing of Th Manorama.
The MPs further said that the agitators jailed under NSA ought to be released at the earliest adding that assistance should be forwarded for the treatment of persons injured during agitation.
Denouncing the excess powers granted to security personnel and violation of Supreme Court regulations, the two MPs observed such practice violates the very spirit of democratic principles.