Newmai News Network
IMPHAL, AUG 8: Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh told the Manipur Legislative Assembly today that he will try his best to convince the Centre to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
On the morning session of the seventh day of the12th Manipur Legislative Assembly (6th Session), MLA of Phungyar assembly constituency, Leishiyo Keishing drew a calling attention motion to N. Biren Singh (in-Charge of Home) on the long-standing demand for removal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, (AFSPA) 1958 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.
In response, chief minister N. Biren Singh said that many agencies had pressed the Centre to impose AFSPA after the May, 2023 incident in valley areas too. He also stated that imposition of AFSPA cannot guarantee ideal law and order conditions. He also mentioned the recent amendment of the three new criminal laws now imposed by the Supreme Court all over India, which has emphasised more on dignity and humanity. On the appeal made by MLA Leishiyo Keishing to repeal the AFSPA in the hill districts of the state, the chief minister responded that he will try his best to approach and henceforth convince the Centre to remove the Act.
Referring to the calling attention motion made by MLA Th. Lokeshwar Singh on the matter of government failure to ensure conflict-free zones in and around educational institutions, Education Minister Th. Basanta Kumar Singh stated that the overall situation of the state must be viewed through a holistic approach. He mentioned that there have been some cases of unreasonable demands by the teachers. He assured the house that the State Government is taking all steps including ensuring a better law and order situation to improve the welfare of both students and teachers. He also invited suggestions from all stakeholders to bring back the academic environment back to normalcy. To provide safety to educational institutions, he proposed his own suggestions in the house wherein, he will approach the Security Advisor to consider patrolling in all the institutions as a short-term measure. Another suggestion he deliberated in the House is 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 a long term solution, he said that the department along with the Home Department will make policies to make learning space a conflict-free zone.
During zero hour, MLA Nishikanta Sapam, while condemning the unfortunate event meted out by some unknown miscreants on the highway, he called for attention to 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 access of the goods truck but on that same line he warned that if such crime happens more frequently, the entire state is at the losing end. He appealed to all stakeholders not to commit such petty crimes and sinister designs of certain people who intend to divide Manipur.
On the matter of abrogation of Suspension of Operation (SoO), Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said that it is a tripartite matter and that the state government does not have the power to abrogate the policy at its own will.
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