Chaoba pledges to repeal AFSPA
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 12 2014 : Welcoming six political as well as non-political figures into the party fold, BJP Manipur Pradesh president Th Chaoba re-affirmed that the national political party's top priority would be repealing of the much 'despised' Armed Forces' Special Powers Act 1958 from the State.

Speaking to newspersons at the BJP Manipur Pradesh office in Nityaipat Chuthek where a formal reception function for six persons who joined the saffron party was held today, Chaoba said taking into account miseries being suffered by the people of Manipur in the last few decades and ineffectiveness in ending the insurgency problem, one of the main reasons for imposition of the pro-military Act, there seems to be no purpose in continuing with AFSPA.

For the BJP all mandatory steps including annulment of the 'disturbed area' tag would be undertaken to pave the way for the repealing of the Act from Manipur, confided the State BJP chief.

warmly welcoming former Minister Dr Khasim Ruivah from Chingai AC, former Saikul AC MLA Dongmang Haokip, former IMC councillor and ex-secretary of Sagolband Block Congress Committee Chabungbam Joykumar Singh of Sagolband, Joint Director (retd) of State Health Services Dr Mangsatabam Birachandra Singh of Sagolband, former NCP State unit general secretary N Ratan alias Kapu Meitei and NPF member Raphei into the BJP, Chaoba claimed that missives have been received from many others to join the party.

Citing Gangmumei Kamei's decision as well as approval by party's central leaders to contest on BJP ticket from the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency as the main factor for prominent individuals deciding to leave other political organisations and instead embrace BJP, he also informed that Goa Deputy Chief Minister Francis de Souza will address an election rally at Noney in Tamenglong district tomorrow.

Joining of Francis Souza, a Christian, in the BJP poll campaign will negate repeated but baseless remarks by the Congress leaders that BJP is Hindu-centric and discriminates other religions, the BJP chief said.

Welcoming the election Commission of India's recently announced Lok Sabha election schedules, Chaoba observed that shorter period for poll campaign will significantly nullify past instances of money and muscle power being the decisive factor in Indian elections.

Describing Gangmumei Kamei as the new Hope for a new Manipur, he also conveyed to all concerned that BJP candidate for the Inner seat Dr RK Ranjan Singh will provide an opportunity for scripting a new political chapter in Manipur.

Stating that RK Ranjan has already addressed election rallies in eight assembly constituencies and is committed to protect rights of the fishermen and preserve Loktak Lake, Chaoba urged the people to test blood instead of casting their invaluable votes for tried and tested individuals.

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