State urges Centre to reconsider AFSPA re-imposition
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 16 2024: The state government has formally requested the Union government to review and withdraw its recent declaration re-imposing the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958 in areas under the jurisdiction of six police stations in the state.

The appeal was in response to a notification issued by the Central government on November 14, which declared areas under Semkai, Lamsang, Lamlai, Jiribam, Leimakhong, and Morang police stations as disturbed areas.

In an official communication addressed to the secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the joint secretary (Home) of the state government stated that the state cabinet convened a meeting on Friday, to deliberate on the Centre's move.

Following thorough discussions, the cabinet decided to recommend that the Union government review and retract the declaration for these specified jurisdictions in public interest The letter highlighted the state government's position, urging that the review and subsequent withdrawal of the notification would be in the best interest of maintaining peace and addressing local sentiments regarding the imposition of AFSPA.

The Act, which grants special powers to armed forces to maintain public order in areas deemed "disturbed" has long been a source of contention in the region, sparking debates over its impact on civil rights and governance, the letter said.

Comment