With the “repeal AFSPA” demand growing louder in the Northeast, Manipur Congress has questioned the BJP-led state government over the issue.
Manipur Congress general secretary L Tilotama has said: “If BJP government thinks that law and order situation of the state has improved then why they are not lifting the draconian AFSPA from the face of Manipur till now?”
Notably, Manipur Congress has decided to include its ‘commitment’ to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in its manifesto for the Assembly elections.
In fact, the Congress in Manipur said that if voted to power, it would decide on “immediate and complete withdrawal” of the “draconian law” from the entire state in the very first cabinet meeting.
Also read: Repeal AFSPA demand: Nagaland CM, Dy CM, Zeliang & Assam CM meet Amit Shah to discuss issue
The Congress has also harped on the fact that AFSPA had been withdrawn from seven constituencies in Manipur, including state capital Imphal, when it was in power in 2004.
AFSPA seemingly, will be one of the main poll agendas of the Congress party in Manipur, as the state goes to Assembly elections next year.
AFSPA, which gives sweeping powers to the security forces to maintain public order in “disturbed areas”, has been a contentious issue in the Northeast.