Govt urged to repeal AFSPA, ban Kuki outfits
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 21 2024: Kanglei People's Confederation (KAPECON) has raised a charter of demands to the central and state governments including a call for repealing Armed Forces' Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958, which was recently re-imposed in areas under six police stations of the state.

In a press meet held at Manipur Press Club here Thursday, KAPECON convenor Keithellakpam London put forward six demands to the central and state governments.

The demands included immediate halt to alleged India's proxy war in Manipur; repeal of AFSPA; free movement along the national highways; rehabilitation of the displaced people to their homes; and declaration of Kuki militants as terrorists and initiation of necessary actions.

KAPECON will resort to various means to 'push' the demands in case the government fails to address the same, he cautioned.

While stating that time has come for the different CSOs to work collectively to achieve the common goal, he cautioned all concerned that modus operandi of Kuki militants has changed to abducting civilians, harming women and children, obstructing transport of essential items and attacking farmers.

"This is an open challenge to all the indigenes of the state," he affirmed, while expressing disbelief over the state government's failure to take a firm stand in this proxy war.

He stated that KAPECON is not concerned about whether MLAs resign or not.

"It was, however, unfortunate to see the resignation drama turn into communal issue while sidelining the tragedy in Jiribam," London remarked and urged the leaders to lead the people courageously.

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