The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Dec 29: The Armed Forces Special Powers’ Act Review Committee which made its maiden visit to Manipur since its inception will conduct its last people’s hearing tomorrow at the Manipur Human Rights Commission from 10 am till 11.30 am.

Members of the review committee while talking to media persons this evening stated that they have interacted with more than 70 persons including representatives of around 20 organisations. Today they interacted with four to five organisations.

Most of the individuals and representatives of organisations expressed their desire to have the AFSPA repealed. Some were also of the opinion that the AFSPA must go but the Army should remain to curb militancy, the panel members said.
‘The AFSPA Review Committee wishes to express its gratitude to citizens, civil society groups and other stakeholders who have come forward in large numbers to share their views on the AFSPA’, the members said in a statement.

It also stated that the committee is touched by their frankness and the way people have spoken from the hearts.

The views represented with coherence, clarity and in detail by numerous groups have covered the entire range of concerns, the statement said.

Family members of the deceased Th Manorama Devi, human rights activist Yambem Laba, representatives of various associations including Manipur Elders’ Welfare Association, Lilong United Clubs Organisation and student leaders met the review committee today.

Also among those who managed to meet with the AFSPA review committee members were representatives of the Joint Action Committee formed after the Malom massacre of November 2, 2000, in which ten civilians were killed by 8th Assam Rifles troops, and the wife and mother of Athokpam Purnima, of Singjamei Pechu Lampak, another Army victim.

In the meantime, the review committee members, who will be leaving for New Delhi tomorrow on a connecting flight via Silchar informed mediapersons that they have not yet decided on their next visit to the north east.

It may be noted that tomorrow’s direct flight to New Delhi of the committee members has rescheduled as it was detailed for evacuation of tsunami hit victims in the southern states.
 

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