Will urge Centre to withdraw AFSPA if situation permits: Governor
Ganesan hits it off with Ukhrul folks on maiden visit
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Ukhrul/Imphal, April 19 2022: Governor La Ganesan has said that he will urge the Centre to withdraw the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 (AFSPA) if there is overall improvement in law and order situation where complete peace, calm and tranquillity persists in the State.

On the first day of his two-day visit to Ukhrul and Kamjong district, the Governor spoke to the people at a community interaction programme held at Nungbi Khullen Public Ground, under Chingai sub-division of Ukhrul district today.

He said that with the improvement of law and order situation in some areas of the State, disturbed area status has been withdrawn.

Will urge Centre to withdraw AFSPA if situation permits: Governor

If there is complete peace and tranquillity in the rest of the State in the coming days, then he will urge the Centre to completely withdraw the same, assured the Governor.

The Army Act was recently withdrawn from the valley districts spread over 15 police stations.

Insisting people to co-operate with the Government, especially in four different aspects, the Governor said, firstly, all citizens should at least enrol for Aadhar Card.

He added that everyone needs to open a bank account (Jan Dhan Yojana for women) to get the benefits of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) .

He continued that all have to be vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines as it will help in combating the pandemic if a fourth wave becomes imminent.

Stating that cross-border smuggling activities is becoming a tough challenge these days, he urged the people to co-operate with the Government once fencing work along the border line begins.

Earlier, interacting with the Governor, Tangkhul Civil Society Organizations urged for the complete removal of AFSPA from the State.

Four memoranda were also submitted to the Governor.

They further urged for exemption of North East from the imposition of Hindi language.

The Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL) president Thingreiphy Lungharwoshi on behalf of the Tangkhul community submitted a memorandum urging withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1958 from all the hill areas/districts and also to reconsider the proposed imposition of Hindi in the entire North East States of the country.

Krishna Kumar (IAS), Deputy Commissioner, Ukhrul, Saujanya Singh (IPS), SP, Ukhrul, District Level Officers and villagers greeted the Governor on his arrival at Nungbi Khullen Village.

Cultural songs and dances were also shown as a part of the programme.

The Governor also inspected the famous Nungbi Pottery works of the village.

He was accompanied by his Secretary Bobby Waikhom during his visit.

The programme was also attended by Tangkhul CSO leaders, Headmen neighbouring villages, department officers, youth leaders, student leaders, women leaders.