AFSPA to stay: Antony

Rangapahar (Nagaland), Jan 11: Union Defence Minister A.K. Antony has categorically said the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act 1958 (AFSPA) will remain in the North Eastern region to contain insurgency.

Addressing a press conference here yesterday Mr Antony said the AFSPA is necessary in states like Manipur and Asom.

He cited the example of the recent carnage of ULFA in Asom, that took several lives and said Army operations is needed to flash out these terrorists.

However, most of the NE states have been demanding the repel of AFSPA from the region since long, sources said Manipur's 'steel lady' Irom Sharmila is also on a hunger strike in New Delhi for the repel of these 'draconian' Act, sources said

UNI