Imphal, July 27: Six major Opposition parties- BJP, FPM, MNC, MPP, DRPP and NTC - have served an ultimatum to the Congress led SPF Govemment for taking a definite Cabinet decision on removing the Disturbed Area Status from whole of Manipur within July 31.The ultimatum served to the Government through Chief Minister in-charge and Commerce and Industries Minister Th Devendra was the outcome of a joint political party meeting held at the conference hall of State Guest House, here this afternoon.

After serious and detailed deliberations, the political parties reiterated/reaffirmed the public demand for repealing Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from Manipur and withdrawal of Disturbed Area Status from the entire State of Manipur.

They also demanded that the Cabinet take a definite decision on this within July 31.If the Cabinet fails to take a decision within the deadline, the political parties would launch a mass movement in this regard in which the political parties of the State would make the supreme sacrifice for the freedom of the people and protection of human rights.

For better co-ordination among the political parties in carrying forward the movement, the meeting resolved to form a new body called All Party Co-ordinating Committee, with all the presidents of the political parties as members.

The political parties also extended their full support to the proposed mass protest rally on July 29.On use of force and repressive measures by the Government to quell the public movement, the meeting strongly condemned firing of tear gas canisters and rubber bullets endangering the lives of the protestors.

The meeting while affirming that the right to life and liberty and dignity of every Indian citizens is inviolable under the Constitution, asserted that Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 is an abominable version of the Colonial legacy and has not succeeded in containing the insurgency movement is Manipur or elsewhere in North East India.

Rather, the Act has put the life of the people at peril, the meeting noted.

Later talking to media persons after submitting the ultimatum to the Chief Minister in-charge and Commerce and Industries Minister Th Devendra at his official quarters, Dr Chandramani said since the State Cabinet has been reviewing the decision to extend the Disturbed Area Status every six months, it has the power to remove it if it so desires.

So there is no need to wait till August 15, the deadline set for taking a decision of lifting the Act, said the FPM president.

MLA I Hemochandra, who also talked to mediapersons asserted that a special session of the State Assembly should be convened to discuss the matter on the floor of the House the Cabinet could not take a decision of revocation of AFPSA.

The Government has also the right and the power to convene an Assembly sitting within 48 hours by issuing a notice since the House has not yet been prorogued, he observed.

Talking to the mediapersons, Chief Minister in-charge Th Devendra assured that the matter of the ultimatum served would be faxed to the Chief Minister, who is presently at New Delhi today itself.

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