AKSU threats to boycott elections and political parties

Imphal, Oct 30: The All Kangleipak Students Union (AKSU) has decided to boycott all political parties from November 20 if the Armed Forces Special Powers Act,1958, was not revoked in Manipur.

The AKSU also warned that it will not allow to hold any election in future in the state until the Act was repealed.

The state goes to general Assembly elections early next year.

Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has said the AFSPA could only be repealed when there was peace in the state.

Speaking during a Congress workers meeting at Mayang Imphal yesterday, Mr Singh said if the government and the militant groups agree to a truce then the armed forces act could be repealed.

The Justice Reddy Commission has already recommended to the Union government to repeal the act.

The Chief Minister said the Centre may take a decision on the issue and his government had no intention of retaining the Act. The insurgency problem in the state compelled the government to use the services of the military, he said.

UNI