Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 08:
Lashing out at Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, MPP president and MLA O Joy said that their refusal to hold any discussion on lifting the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur inspite of the public outcry was really unfortunate.
The statements of the Union Home Minister and Defence Minister would act like fuel to the already burning fire, Joy said talking to The Sangai Express today.
He asserted that the acts of human rights violation and atrocities being committed by security personnel under the immunity granted under Armed Forces Special Powers Act in the North Eastern States is known not only in India but also in other parts of the World.
In such a situation, refusal to hold discussion on lifting the Act shows indifferent and discriminatory attitude of the Government of India towards the people of North Eastern region, Joy alleged.
He also come out strongly against proroguing of State Assembly even as Opposition parties were putting pressures on the Govt for convening a special session of the House to discuss the public demand for lifting AFSPA from Manipur in view of its rampant misuse by the security personnel.
Proroguing of State Assembly is an attempt to suppress the voice of the people, he observed.
Joy further informed that a delegation of Opposition parties would be calling on new appointed Governor SS Sidhu tomorrow at 11 am to apprising him with the prevailing situation in the State and exert pressure for lifting AFSPA from Manipur according to the wishes of the people.
Meanwhile, party workers of MPP continue their relay hunger strike in front of the party office.