AAPSU opposes move to extend AFSPA in state

Itanagar, Apr 25 (UNI) All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) has strongly opposed the proposal to extend Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) 1958 in the state.

The Union has expressed serious concern over the reports appeared in some sections of the media recently that the Centre, in consultation with the state government, was considering a proposal to declare the entire state a disturbed area and bring it under the purview of the AFSPA.

AAPSU pointed out that the state Assembly had already passed a resolution to withdraw AFSPA from the state during the last session on April 9 and the same had intimated to the Union Home Ministry.

Demanding immediate withdrawal of any such proposal, the students' body urged the state government to carry out with its resolution passed in the Assembly and said failing this the Union would start rigorous movement.

The proposal of the state government to extend the Act in the entire state has invited unwarranted condemnation from cross sections of the people as imposition of the Act would bring torture and harassment to the peace loving people of the state. The civilians in other parts of the region had faced insults and humiliation from armed forces, sources said.

The Act has also been opposed from various quarters of the civil societies of the state and the region as well as International Human Rights Commission, National Human Rights Commission, political parties and United Nations, the Union said adding that the people of the state would not accept ''unnecessary imposition'' of the Act.

UNI