Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 20:
The Working Committee of the Apunba Lup today submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister urging him to repeal that Armed Forces Special Powers Act by December 10 this year, contending that such an Act has no place in a democracy.
Stating that the Lup will be constrained to resume its stir if the Act is not repealed within the deadline set by them, the memorandum recalled the killing of 75 year LD Rengtuiwan by Assam Rifles personnel on November 16, killing of RK Sanajoaba by police on October 20 and the killing of three students, Tangpao Baite, Hemingthang Baite and Limkhongam Baite, the Lup said that such killings have occurred due to the immunity granted by AFSPA.
The memorandum also reminded the Prime Minister that these killings happened even after his personal assurance no excesses would be allowed after the custodial killing of Th Manorama.
Urging the Prime Minister to repeal AFSPA, which is more draconian than POTA, the Lup said that it can be easily repealed through an Ordinance, if the only the Centre is sincere about restoring the democratic rights of the people of Manipur and the NE.
The PM told the Lup delegates to wait for some time and assured them that the Centre has the best interest of the people in mind, said a source.