Centre rules out AFSPA repeal from Manipur
Source: The Sangai Express / Courtesy Sentinel

New Delhi, March 15 2013 : The Centre has firmly ruled out considering the removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Manipur.

In reply to a question, Minister of State for Home Mullappally Ramachandran told Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

The Minister also said that the declaration of disturbed area under AFSPA has been issued by the State government.

In another reply to a question, Ramachandran informed that for preventing misuse of power under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, guidelines containing dos and don'ts for the Armed Forces deployed for counter insurgency operations have been issued as per the directions of Supreme Court.

Violation of these guidelines by members of the Armed Forces makes them liable for prosecution under the Army Act and the respective Acts of the Central Armed Police Forces.

The Chief of Army Staff has issued 'ten commandments' to the troops deployed for counter insurgency operations to guide them while conducting the operations.

The human rights cell established at various levels of Army and the Central Armed Police Forces regularly monitor complaints on human rights violations, by the members of the Armed Forces.

The troops are sensitized at regular intervals regarding the importance of upholding human rights.

A detailed counter�affidavit on behalf of Union of India has been filed in response of the Writ Petition (Civil) No.445 of 2012 .

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