Apunba Lup stir against AFSPA to be launched again

Imphal, Jul 19 (UNI) The Working Committee of Apunba Lup (WCAL), a conglomeration of women organisations of Manipur has decided to again start the stir to demand the repeal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1958 which gives extraordinary powers to the military.

The WCAL alleged that the civil administration was undermined by the military and the Assam Rifles and the army were doing whatever they wanted in Manipur.

The WCAL condemned the assault of civilians by 24 Assam Rifles personnel at Moreh, detention of student leaders at Nungba and other places by Assam Rifles troops. The WCAL members said the government should show it really exists and should punish the personnel involved in harassing and arresting innocents.

The WCAL will wait for a response from the government and various forms of stir may begin tomorrow if its demand were not met. After the Th Manorama incident in 2004, the government had assured to review the Armed Forces Special Powers Act but it was yet to take a decision on the report submitted on the issue.

Prominent women leaders like Memchoubi, President of Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi (women organisation), said she was shocked at the way people were treated. Leirik Leima, President of Kangleipak Lamjing Apunba Meira Lup demanded that the government should take up appropriate action.

The women organisations and WCAL has asked questions like-- 'Has the Chief Minister of Manipur handed over administration to the military ?' and 'Are the military superior to the civil administration'.

The PIB (Defence Wing) had informed that innocents were not harassed and the troops have been instructed not to harass civilians travelling on the national highways.

UNI NS SP SS1217