Imphal, December 19: Striking a tough stand against the continued imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in the State, Outer MP Mani Charenamei today said that the Act should be totally repealed.

Speaking to newsmen at the official bungalow of the DC of Tamenglong, T Pamei today before the final day of the two day Orange Festival, Mani said that a number of MPs from the North East had urged the Prime Minister to repeal the Act from the region as it has not served its intended purpose.

A number of other MPs not from the North East have also supported the point raised against AFSPA, he added.

Touching on other issues, the Outer MP said that the Union Civil Aviation Ministry has been urged to increase the flight from Delhi to Imphal to four times a week and also to connect Ukhrul and Tamenglong districts with Guwahati by chopper service.

On the current peace talk between the NSCN (IM) and the Govt of India, the MP said that the talk is going on certain agreed terms between the two parties and it is upto them to decide whether to include other Naga leaders in the talks or not.

There is no harm if the IM group wants other Naga leaders to join the peace parleys, he added.

It is time for all the MLAs of Tamenglong district to sit down together and work for its development, said the MP.

The State Govt too should look into the abysmal road conditions in the district.

Though Tamenglong has immense tourism potential, it has not been able to draw in the tourists due to poor communication system, said Mani.

"I have already met officials of the Union Home Ministry and DONER Minister PR Kyndiah to improve the Tamenglong-Khongsang road," said Mani and added that the district offers immense potential for mini-hydel power project.

The State Govt ought to look into this point, he added.

To reverse the large scale deforestation in the hill districts, the MP said that a sum of Rs 5 lakhs have been released from his MP fund to provide alternative means of livelihood to the villagers who eke out a living by clearing the forest for agricultural activities.

Comment