Summary:
Imphal, Mar 31 (PTI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah"s announcement that "15 police station areas of six districts of Manipur will be excluded from Disturbed Areas notification" was welcomed cautiously by prominent social activists in the state, which has been in the frontline of movements against AFSPA, who at the same time expressed dissatisfaction that the "draconian Act" has not been totally repealed.
However, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said the decision to reduce the number of areas where Armed Forces Special Powers Act is in force, will usher in a "new era of peace, prosperity and development." Taking to his official Facebook account, Biren Singh remarked "considering the sentiment of the people of Manipur, Hon"ble PM Narendra Modi has decided to reduce disturbed areas under Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Manipur.
This historic decision is a result of the robust development and improved security situation..." Editor of Imphal Times and social activist Rinku Khumukcham welcomed the new development but said, "The movement for repeal of the inhumane AFSPA or its amendment in favour of a more humane one still stands".
He pointed out that already provisions included in IPC and CrPc are sufficient to handle the insurgency situation in Manipur.
He cited the instance of Naxal-hit areas in mainland India where AFSPA has not been imposed but operations by the military and security forces are going on.
Director Human Rights Alert Babloo Loitongbam also said "we welome it.