Imphal, September 07: Manipur Intellectual Forum (MIF) has strongly denounced the remark of Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil who asserted that death toll and casualties in Manipur is far lesser in comparison those occurring in other militant ravaged places.

In a statement, Forum president K Birendra condemned the remark and countered by asking how many more lives have to be sacrificed to prick the consciences of the Central leaders and take up steps for withdrawal of the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from Manipur.

Since the Union Home Minister has made it clear, removal of the Act is at the discretion of the State Government, all the people of Manipur should now put pressure on the Chief Minister to do the needful, he observed.

He also strongly condemned police action on MAFYF president and AMSU general secretary.

As per a resolution taken during a meeting of the Forum on September 6, Birendra has requested all the former Chief Ministers, Assembly Speakers, MPs, AGs, DGPs, Ministers of Law as well as All Manipuri Working Journalist Union and Editors� Forum, Manipur provide write up on AFSPA with special reference to whether it could be lifted or not and what are the implements to the office of the Kangleipak Meira, Keishampat.

JAC flays: People's Action Committee Against Brutal Custodial Killing of Th Manorama Devi, Bamon Kampu Imphal East has strongly condemned the Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil for not taking up any concrete steps to end the ongoing agitation during his two day visit in the State.

Coming down heavily on the Union Home Minister, PAC said that the apathy of the Union Home Minister towards the demand of the people clearly shows the attitude of the Central leaders towards the region of the north east.

It also said that the Central leaders directly endorsing killings of innocent civilians in the State by prolonging the imposition of AFSPA in the State.

Terming the arrest and subsequent detention of various leaders under the NSA, PAC appealed to the State Govt to release the arrested leaders immediately without any conditions before things get out of control.

Meanwhile, a torch rally was also carried out Bamon Kampu last night demanding for immediate removal of AFSPA from the State and punishment for the killers of Thangjam Manorama.

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