Source: The Sangai Express
New Delhi, November 24:
A high-level committee appointed to review the provisions of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Manipur today held its first meeting and decided to examine whether the law protected human rights or needed to be replaced by a more humane statute.
The five-member committee headed by BP Jeevan Reddy, a retired Supreme Court judge, was of the view that legitimate concerns of the people of the North Eastern region, human rights, requirements of national security and maintenance of public order should be looked into while examining the Act.
"The committee proposes to examine the act and advise the Government whether to amend the provisions of the Act to bring these in accordance with the obligations of the Government towards protection of human rights or to replace it by a more humane Act," a Home Ministry spokesman said.
Besides Reddy, the committee comprises jurist SB Nakade, former Special Secretary in the Home Ministry PP Shrivastava, former Director General Military Operations in the Army Lt Gen VR Raghavan and journalist Sanjoy Hazarika.
The Committee was appointed on the eve of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's two-day visit to Manipur from November 20 in the wake of persistent demand for withdrawal of the Act by 'Apunba Lup', an amalgam of 32 agitating Manipuri outfits.
The Committee, which will review the 1958 Act as amended from time to time, will submit its report within six months, the spokesman said.
The spokesman said the committee would be inviting suggestions, opinions and viewpoints of all groups concerned, organisations, including Governmental agencies, and individuals.
"Notice for this purpose will be issued shortly.
The committee is in the process of setting up an office with necessary infrastructure to enable it to function effectively," he said.
The Prime Minister had assured a delegation of Apunba Lup, which called on him earlier this month, that the Govt would consider replacing the 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 rape and killing of Manorama Devi allegedly by Assam Rifles jawans in July.