INC, CPI (M), JD (S), NCP stay away from AFSPA convention
Posers on pol parties take on AFSPA raised
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 14, 2012:
On the invitation of Just Peace Foundation, Robin Blackei (MPP), Prof S Tikendra (BJP), Lokendra (Trinamool Congress), N Sundari (RJD), Kh Debabrata (MSCP) and L Sotinkumar (CPI) represented their respective parties at a one-day political convention on Armed Forces special Powers Act 1958 at Classic Hotel today.
None from the INC, CPI (M), JD-S and NCP were present at the convention.
The political representatives deliberated on the theme at an open discussion session.
Delivering the keynote address, Jawaharlal Nehru University's Prof Dr Bimol Akoijam regretted that in the context of Manipur, elections conducted every five years have been reduced to a farce with the voters tending to forget burning issues and the elected representatives hardly committed to removing AFSPA.
Iterating that the convention was envisioned to assess commitment of political parties in scrapping the Act, he further noted that after election Ministers/MLAs concentrate on either amassing personal wealth or ensuring financial security of only their close relatives rather than concerted effort to solve various issues imperilling the public and the land.
Accusing political leaders of lack of initiative to revoke AFSPA from Manipur, where a number of innocent people have fallen prey to the Act, he suggested that the public demand redressal measures from their elected representatives.
While airing strong concern on the growing trend of money-power becoming the decisive factor in winning elections, Dr Bimol asserted that time has come for one and all to teach a lesson to the politicians who have no concern for the welfare of the people.
describing non-inclusion of AFSPA in the election manifesto of political parties and its misinterpretation , if it is included, as disheartening, he also reminded all concerned that 12 Imas carried out nude protest in front of Kangla and a youth immolated himself, all because of the continued imposition of AFSPA in Manipur.
Foundation's managing trustee Kh Anandi and Senior Citizens for Society president N Binoy also addressed the gathering.
In its manifesto, the BJP has said that it would seek to bring the law and order situation to such a state that AFSPA is not needed.