Senior Citizens advise Govt
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 07 2014:
Saying that saving Irom Sharmila is the collective wish of the people of Manipur, the Senior Citizens for Society (SCS) has asked the State Government to act in accordance with the pulse of the people.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club today, SCS secretary Advocate Khaidem Mani observed that the incumbent Government has not done anything expected by the public even though it called upon the mass to save Sharmila every now and then.
Although the State Government has no authority to scrap the dreaded Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, it is within the prerogative of the State Government to detach the disturbed area tag from Manipur.
This is a clear indication that the State Government has no intention to revoke AFSPA from the State.
They do not have any concern for Sharmila and it appears that the Government is waiting for Sharmila's death.
Condemning the Ukhrul incident of August 30, Mani decried that the Government had developed a habit of taking recourse to repressive measures whenever there is any public outcry rather than working to resolve the issue peacefully.
Agitating people and groups should raise only reasonable and pragmatic demands.
Any attempt to disintegrate Manipur in the interest of a single community can never be vindicated.
Imposing economic blockade by raising an impossible demand cannot be justified by any argument, Mani asserted.
SCS president and former Minister Laisom Lalit said that imposition of blockade on National Highways is illegal.
The groups which impose blockade on National Highways can be banned and their members arrested.
Questioning the failure of the Government of India and the State Government to check killing of drivers and extortion by NSCN-IM cadres within the territory of Manipur, Lalit urged the Government to check anti-social and unlawful activities of the outfit.
He further opined that it would be better to keep Umang Lai and Govindaji Temple Board under separate authorities.
Maintaining that the demand for enforcement of ILPS in Manipur is justified, Lalit urged the Government to find a solution to the issue at the earliest.
SCS vice president Prof Janab Khan and general secretary Laishram Sadananda were also present at the press meet.