MPDF deplores state's exclusion from AFSPA panel
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 29 2021: Manipur Peoples' Democratic Front (MPDF) secretary Sapam Samungou has described as unfortunate that the high-level committee formed by the central government to examine withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in the wake of the recent killing of civilians in Mon district of Nagaland has excluded Manipur.

Addressing a press meet held at Manipur Press Club on Wednesday, S Samungou recounted that the central government held a meeting on December 23 in New Delhi in aftermath of the killing of 14 innocent civilians by security forces in Mon district.

The meeting was participated by Union home minister Amit Shah, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio, deputy chief minister Y Patton and former chief minister T R Zeliang.

The meeting decided on formation of a high-level committee on withdrawal of AFSPA from Nagaland, he informed.

Condemning the absence of Manipur's chief minister from the meeting, Samungou questioned why the chief minister was not included in the meeting.

Manipur has long been facing the brunt of the draconian law of AFSPA.

Under the protection of the law, security forces have indulged in numerous killings including RIMS, Malom, Heirangoithong massacres, Manorama incident, etc., he added.

Samungou expressed surprise that the high-level committee formed for removal of AFSPA in Nagaland has left out Manipur.

The Union government is looking into withdrawal of AFSPA from Nagaland, but it is not being done for Manipur.

Exclusion of the state in this regard proves that 60 MLAs and two MPs of Manipur are unfit, he claimed.

Samungou stressed that the centre must also look into the situation of Manipur.

The high-level committee must include Manipur's chief minister.

The Union government must think not only about Nagaland but the draconian law must also be repealed from Manipur as well.

The state government must press the centre on the matter, he further demanded.

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