Imphal, September 09: Showing solidarity to the people's movement for complete removal of the Armed Forces Special Power Act from the State, Archaya of ISKCON Damodara Swami has assured to personally insist upon the Prime Minister to fulfill the aspirations of the people.

Speaking at a press conference at the premises of ISKCON here today, Damodar who is also the director of the Bhaktivedanta Institute said that the Act is a great injustice to the people both from the spiritual and humanitarian point of view.

Referring to the sacred Veda which states that all women other than wives should be seen as mothers, Swami questioned the rationale behind the prolonged imposition of AFSPA in the State where chastity of women have been outraged by security forces under the shadow of the Act and added that the chaotic situation in the State following the brutal murder of Manorama was thoroughly highlighted to the spiritual and religious leaders of the world during the recent International Peace Conference at Barcelona.

Expressing his discontentment at not being able to meet the Indian PM to discuss the prevailing situation in the State after his return from the recent Peace Friendship tour at Lahore, Damodara assured to meet the PM within a short period and discuss the possibilities of lifting the Act from the State.

Commenting on the ongoing agitation of the people, he suggested that the Working Committee of Apunba Lup organize signature campaign against the Act throughout the world and added that even the Chief Minister and politicians of the State should be the signatories.

"Being a Manipuri I'm deadly against the Act and I will extend all possible efforts to lift the Act but my support would be from outside" Damodara said.

Commenting on the economy of the State, he said the State Govt should upgrade surface communication system in the State by improving the conditions of the road, water supply and power supply which are in pathetic conditions and added that improving these sectors would bring about all round development in a striking manner.

Commenting on the University of Bhagavata which was inaugurated on September 7, he said the varsity is the first of its kind in the world and added that the varsity would impart spiritual knowledge along with material knowledge to its students.

These two aspects would go together; he said adding that "this is a humble attempt to initiate peace and communal harmony".

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