JD-U slams disturbed area status decision
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 02, 2014: Extending the "disturbed area status" for one more year to all parts of Manipur with the exception of Imphal Municipal areas by the State Cabinet is a move against the "will" of the people, state Janata Dal-United (JD-U) has said on Tuesday.

Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, AFSPA has been so far unsuccessful in countering militancy in Manipur where the number of militants has increased instead, Manipur JD-U president M Tombi said at a press meet.

While slamming the state Cabinet's decision to extend the disturbed area status in Manipur, he said repeated invoking of the controversial AFSPA under the disturbed area status has become a regular exercise of both the State and Central Governments to torture and kill the people.

Tombi alleged that the Central and State forces are also involved in drug trafficking to destroy the life of the people who have been already facing serious impact of AFSPA for decades.

The JD-U leader said the decision of Manipur Cabinet to extend the disturbed area status for one more year was comparable to "giving license" to the security forces to kill more people of the state.

The party had recently appealed to the 60 lawmakers of Manipur to take a decision in the upcoming winter session of Manipur Assembly to stop extending the disturbed area status and invoking AFSPA in Manipur.

He said the State Government has never been so tired of violating the rights of the people under AFSPA, adding that the struggle of Irom Chanu Sharmila, who has been on fast for more than 14 years demanding removal of the Act, and the Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee's recommendation have been ignored by both the Governments.

The Congress Government headed by Okram Ibobi Singh is opposing peace and indulging in widespread corruption causing failure in improving electricity supply, water supply, road connectivity and health sector, Tombi accused.

He also assured that all the major issues of the state would be discussed during the coming meeting of Janata Parivar in New Delhi where he and party general secretary Lien Gangte are attending.

Comment