Withdraw DA status : JD (U)
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 10 2014: The Janata Dal (United) Manipur State unit has demanded the Govt to withdraw the Disturbed Area status extended to the State in the coming Winter session of the State Assembly.

Addressing media persons today at its office located at Babupara, JD (U) president M Tomba said that AFSPA is bound to be imposed in the State as long as the Disturbed Area status is extended.

As such, the Govt should immediately withdraw the status in order to pave the exit for the draconian law, he said.

Conveying that the party is seriously viewing the hunger strike of Irom Sharmila Chanu for over 14 years demanding removal of AFSPA, Tomba said that many precious lives have been lost due to the existence of the Act.

He said that 711 civilians were killed by security forces during the period 2005 to 2014.During the same period, 204 security forces and 1420 militants were killed.

It is also strongly believed that many civilians were included among the 1420 'militants' killed during the period, he said.

Several crimes have been committed against women and many security personnel have been involved in drug smuggling, he alleged.

Since AFSPA is imposed against the will of the people of the State, the party would not remain a silent spectator unless the Govt initiates measures to repeal it from the State, Tomba said.

The Govt should withdraw the Disturbed Area status imposed in the State in the coming Winter session of the State Assembly, the JD(U) leader demanded.

He further said that the party's chairperson Sharad Yadav had already recommended to the Central Govt to include AFSPA among the 90 Acts in India to be amended.

Tomba also said that the party has urged the Civil Aviation Ministry to provide daily Imphal-Delhi direct flight service.

Speaking at the press meet, JD (U) secretary, Lien Gangte said that giving charge to non-Manipuris to run Manipur Bhawan/House at different cities of India has caused several inconveniences to the people who go there.

He also questioned why local dishes and other local items are not available in Manipur Bhawans/Houses in Indian cities.

He also demanded the setting up of an information centre each at all Manipur Bhawan or Manipur Houses.

Lien also urged the authority concerned to utilise the land allotted to the State Govt by Haryana Govt at Gurgaon.

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