Agencies pressing centre to reimpose AFSPA in state: CM
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, August 08 2024: Responding to a cut motion moved by Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing with regard to the Armed Forces' (Special Powers) Act, (AFSPA) 1958 imposed in the state, chief minister N Biren Singh called for forming a joint team consisting of both ruling and opposition members to convince the union home minister in this regard.

In the morning session on the seventh day of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly (Sixth Session), Leishiyo sought attention of the CM, who is in charge of home portfolio regarding the long standing demand for repeal of AFSPA, 1958 from the hill areas of Manipur.

In response, CM Biren said that many agencies had pressed the centre to impose AFSPA after May 3, 2023 incident in valley areas, stating that the prevailing situation cannot be dealt with normal laws.

However, he objected to the imposition and assured the central leaders to slowly take control of the situation.

Unfortunately, the agencies seem to be unsatisfied.

As such, he is in a fix on how to answer to the centre in view of the current situation.

Biren said that just as the Act (AFSPA) was withdrawn from 19 police stations, there is a wish to repeal the same from the hill areas.

Thus, on the appeal made by MLA Leishiyo Keishing to repeal AFSPA, the CM responded that he will try his best to approach and henceforth, convince the Centre to remove the Act.

Expressing his reluctance on pushing for peace talks when the situation is not conducive, the CM suggested forming a joint team of ruling and opposition MLAs to approach the union home minster for removal of the Act.

He continued that while "AFSPA suppressed the innocent civilians, threatens women and children and leave life unrest", there is also the question of whether "we are more aggressive than AFSPA".

Being the CM and in charge of Home, he has been making efforts at his best level.

As there are numerous agencies pressing New Delhi to impose AFSPA in Manipur, he drew the attention of the House members for collectively approaching and convincing the union home minister, home secretary, IB and Army against the imposition.

Objecting to suggestion by the agencies, Biren said, "We were at a point of demanding the removal of AFSPA from hill districts, but I was questioned about whether the situation in the valley districts could be managed under normal laws".

The CM explained that he assured the agencies that the unrest was a result of emotional responses to recent violence and that he would address the situation gradually.

The CM admitted that the evolving situation in the valley districts has made it challenging to provide satisfactory answers to the agencies during their visits.

He acknowledged that the agencies were not fully satisfied with his previous responses and appealed to the people through the House, saying, "There is significant pressure for the imposition of AFSPA in the valley".Reflecting on the hardships caused by AFSPA, he said, "If the Act could restore law and order, it would have been achieved long ago.

A humane approach is needed" .

Recounting the effects of the Act during his time as a journalist, Biren said he fought for basic human rights just like everybody.

He also said that he did not agree with the view of Manipur held by the then central leaders after it merged with India.

When AFSPA was imposed in 1970, it affected both the hills and the valley, and protests against the Act has been continuing in the state since then.

Imposition of AFSPA cannot guarantee ideal law and order situation.

What is needed is a humane approach.

However, the difficult part is that the Act was imposed in 1970, covering Manipur north district, Mao West and Mao Sub-Division, and later extended to Sadar Hills Sub-Division in October the same year, followed by Manipur South District, Jiribam Manipur Central and Tengnoupal in 1978.Mentioning the recent amendment to three new criminal laws now applicable across the country, the CM said that the three laws was rectified under the aegis of PM Modi and now lays emphasis on justice, dignity and humanity.

Branding AFSPA draconian and inhumane law, Leishiyo continued that the Act disregards democratic norms and authority of Supreme Court, High Courts and Session Courts.

At present, everyone has mental development, maturity and understand human rights.

Thus, a problem cannot be solved by intimidation or brute force.

Instead, dialogue and peace talks should pave the way, he stated.

Further stating that AFSPA led to growth of insurgency on Nagaland, Leishiyo said that insurgency in Manipur too surfaced after AFSPA was imposed.

He then mentioned the 16-year hunger strike by Irom Chanu Sharmila against the Act, while recalling the gang rape by BSF arid subsequent suicide of Rose Ningsel, which led to the formation of Tangkhul League.

He continued that investors do not want to come to the state due to this Act.

Ironically, Manipur which is called the Switzerland Of India, is also categorised as disturbed area.

Thus, the Act which promotes chaos, impedes development and incite hatred between communities should be withdrawn from the state.

As the central government is holding peace talks, the condition should have been scrapping of the Act, the MLA stressed while questioning how talks could be held at gun point.

Thus, he reiterated the demand for removal of the disturbed area tag and the Act from the hill areas, adding that the law has been tainting the reputation of the people of this state.

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