MLA Loken recalls CM Biren's vow to scrap AFSPA
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 10 2021: N Biren Singh vowed to resign if AFSPA was not repealed during the time when he was Congress MLA but why is he remaining silent on the matter after becoming chief minister of the state and is holding the rein of power, questioned MPCC president and Nambol MLA N Loken Singh.

Raising the posers to CM Biren during the inauguration of a new building of Sangaiprou Naharol Club (SNC) on Friday, N Loken Singh said that Union home minister Amit Shah had placed before the Parliament that killing of 14 innocent civilians by Army in Nagaland's Mon district on December 4 was due to mistaken identity.

Chief ministers of North East states have demanded repeal of AFSPA after the Mon incident but Manipur CM is yet to make any statement in this regard.

When media persons asked on Thursday, CM N Biren replied that he has been making efforts to repeal AFSPA for long and would continue to do so, Loken recounted and questioned whether Biren's reply to query of media persons was a statement of a CM.

During the height of intense agitation launched by CSOs of the state in the wake of killing of Thangjam Manorama by security forces in 2004, the then MLAs including present chief minister N Biren, K Ranjit, Bijoy Koijam, Govindas Konthoujam, Md Allaudin and himself mounted strong pressure on the then Congress government led by O Ibobi Singh to repeal AFSPA from the state and even warned of resigning from being MLAs if the Act was not repealed by August 13 of the same year.

Despite strong opposition from Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, the then chief minister Ibobi repealed AFSPA from municipal areas of seven assembly segments of Imphal on August 12, 2004, Loken recalled, while adding that it was very unfortunate and shameful of CM Biren Singh to remain silent on AFSPA repeal demand after securing power.

According to Loken, the present BJP-led government in the state is not only.sectari-an but is also a government which muzzles voices of public and arrests any person who speaks against the government policy even on social media.

Many central ministers and BJP leaders came to the state for election campaign but none of them follow COVID-19 SOPs.

However, when someone organises small event, police impose restriction, Loken said.

While lauding the development brought in Patsoi assembly constituency by incumbent MLA Ak Mirabai during the past 10 years, Loken said the changes brought in the constituency during such a short time cannot be hidden and would remain forever.

In her speech at the event, Patsoi MLA Ak Mirabai said that construction of the new building of the club could not progress satisfactorily after laying foundation stone but it was completed recently as per wishes of the local people as clubs are now becoming moulding places for the upcoming generation.

She also talked at length on development and welfare activities initiated for the people of Patsoi AC during the past 10 years.

She also asked intending candidates in the constituency to compare present condition of Patsoi AC to that of 10 years back in terms of development.

She also claimed of bringing significant development in Patsoi AC during the past 10 years particularly in healthcare, education, electricity and drinking water sectors.

The event was also attended by SNC president T Jayanta (Khuman) Meitei, Changangei ZP member S Rahul, Thounaojam Leikai GP pradhan N Ratan Singh, SYDC secretary Th Mani Meitei, Sangaiprou Singlup president O Tiken Singh and Temple board secretary S Birendra.

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