Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 09:
Cautioning the people against the agenda of the people who have been won over by the politicking of New Delhi, the Working Committee of the Apunba Lup today said that the demand of the people is the total revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and not some review exercise or some efforts to replace it with some other Acts.
In a statement issued to the press today, the Lup said that it would amount to betraying the trust and sacrifices of the people if some section feels that the people should beg the Indian Government to withdraw the said Act by submitting one memorandum after the other while keeping the people's agitation on the Sideline.
It would be totally wrong for the people to remain satisfied with the delaying tactics of the Indian Government, said the statement and added that all should be aware of the divisive policies adopted by the Indian Government to dilute the people's agitation against the continued imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers act in the State.
The time calls for all concerned to take a united stand to raise the demand the immediate revocation of the AFSPA from the State, it added.
The assurance of the Government of India to wait for another six months to decide whether the Act should be amended or replaced by another Act is nothing but akin to telling to the people to keep quiet for the time being, said the statement.
The Working Committee of the Apunba Lup has also appealed to all to attend the one day convention scheduled to be held on December 10 under theme, "Armed Forces Special Powers Act and, 1958 and Militarisation of Manipur".
The convention is being held to coincide with the International Human Rights Day.
MHRC Chairman WA Shishak will be the chief guest while Lalmanpuia, vice chairman of NESO will be the guest of honour.
Advocate Y Devadutta, co-ordinator of the Working Committee of the Apunba Lup and Dr Lokendro Arambam, Executive Chairperson, UNA, Manipur will be the co-presidents of the convention.