Will Convince Centre to Remove AFSPA From Hill Areas: Manipur CM in Assembly

CM Singh said that imposition of AFSPA, known to be a draconian law, cannot guarantee an ideal law and order condition

Making a significant statement in the floor of the Manipur Assembly, Chief Minister N Biren Singh today said that he will try his best to convince Centre to remove the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), from the hill areas.

CM Singh was responding to an appeal by Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing.

CM Singh further said that imposition of AFSPA, known to be a draconian law, cannot guarantee an ideal law and order condition, an official statement briefing about the day’s proceedings in the Assembly said.

Leishiyo Keishing drew a Calling Attention Motion to the Leader of the House and Chief Minister Singh on the long-standing demand for removal of AFSPA from the hill areas of Manipur.

Leishiyo termed AFSPA as the draconian law and in-humane. Recalling past instances of the same, he mentioned that this Act violates the Fundamental Rights of citizens of India, the official statement said.

Referring to the Calling Attention Motion made by Khundrakpam MLA Th. Lokeshwar Singh on the matter of government failure to ensure conflict-free zone in and around educational institutions, Education Minister Th. Basanta Kumar Singh stated that the State Government is taking all steps including ensuring better law and order situation to improve the welfare of both students and teachers.

The Minister said that he will approach the Security Advisor to consider patrolling in all the institutions as a short-term measure to provide security to the educational institutions.

He also suggested that all the heads of the institutions should take into account the unreasonable demands and extortions faced by them and report to the concerned department.

For long term solution, he said that the Department along with the Home Department will make policies to make learning spaces a conflict-free zone.

He invited suggestions from all stakeholders to bring the academic environment to normal.

During Zero Hour, Keishamthong MLA Nishikanta Sapam raised the unfortunate incidents of arson on the national highway and called the attention of the Speaker of the House that the army deployed on the highways be commanded to do their job meticulously.

He applauded the Naga Union Traders for allowing safe passage to goods truck. Sapam said that if such crime happens more frequently, the entire state is would be at the receiving end. He appealed to all stakeholders not to commit such petty crimes and asked all those harbouring sinister designs to divide Manipur to give up such thoughts.

Also Read: State Does Not Have Power to Abrogate SoO: Manipur CM in State Assembly

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