Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 24:
Condemning the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's stand of not lifting Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur, firebrand opposition leader O Joy today said that Indian Govt's stand is akin to fanning inferno.
Interacting with media-persons at MPP office this afternoon, O Joy said that Manmohan Singh and Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Prakash Jaiswal have made a grave mistake by refusing to lift AFSPA from the State.
Stating that security forces have been unleashing a reign of terror in the State for the last two decades under the immunity granted by the Act, Joy questioned as to why the Indian Govt is insisting on imposing the dreaded law when the people is totally against such laws.
Laws are meant to protect the people but AFSPA laws are aiding security personnel to eliminate innocent citizens more efficiently and in a systematic manner.
Expressing great displeasure at the Assam Rifles authorities' request for an AR medical expert to be present during the post mortem of Manorama today, Joy said that it is meaningless to allow any AR representatives during the post mortem as they are they are the ones responsible for the death of Manorama.
He also said that there was no need for any doctor from the AR side as only one surgeon appointed by the State Govt was needed to perform the post mortem.
Questioning the SPF Govt on what concrete decision have been taken up by Cong and her allies to meet the ever increasing demand of the people for removal of Armed Forces Special Power Act from the State, O Joy appealed to the SPF leaders to take a definite decision on the matter im mediately before the present situation gets out of control.
Joy also informed that MPP's Chanura Marup will be organising a dharna at the MPP office tomorrow demanding for immediate revocation of the Act from Manipur.
He also appealed to the public to join the dharna and help in making it a success.
Commenting on the self immolation bid by five MAFYF volunteers in front of the CM's office today, O Joy said that the Indian Government and the State Government should be held responsible for the self immolating act of the MAFYF volunteers.
Coming down heavily on the State Govt for forcibly cremating the body of Manorama without the approval of the victim's family members, Joy said that the Govt's action was highly condemnable and unjustified.
He also stated that the Govt's improper conduct will only increase the rage of the people instead of pacifying it.
Joy also informed that copies of the memorandum submitted to Union Minister of State Home Affairs Prakash Jaiswal during his recent visit to Imphal have been faxed to the PM, AICC president Sonia Gandhi and Union Home Minister Shivraj Patel today.