NE bodies vow joint fight against AFSPA

Guwahati, Dec 8 (UNI) A joint region-wide fight to press for the demand for repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958, was on the cards, according to All Assam Students Union (AASU) sources.

Several students organisations, women's bodies, NGOs, and civil rights groups of the North East had joined hands to launch a region-wide movement demanding repeal of the ''draconian'' Act, sources added.

A conclave of anti-AFSPA organisations, headed by the Apunba Lub of Manipur, spearheading the movement against the Act, which provided sweeping powers to the security forces deployed in the insurgent-hit states of the region, took a resolution to the effect here yesterday. The All Assam Students Union (AASU) hosted the conclave.

AASU adviser and chairman of the North East Students Organisation (NESO) Samujjal Bhattacharrya informed that a clear-cut strategy was in the pipeline to facilitate a region-wide movement demanding the annulment of the AFSPA.

The conclave adopted three resolutions, foremost among which was the rejection the Prime Minister's promise to amend the AFSPA and pledge to launch region-wide movement for repeal of the Act.

The AASU and the Apunba Lup would carry out consultation with other groups and evolve effective anti-AFSPA strategy.

UNI XC SJC SB RS1839