Manipur parliamentarian calls on Centre to restore normalcy in the state

New Delhi, April 22 : Dr. Thokchom Meinya, a Member of Parliament representing the Inner Manipur parliamentary constituency, has drawn the attention of Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil for taking up specific measures to restore normalcy in the insurgent-hit state.

Participating in a Demands for Grants discussion of the Home Ministry in the Lok Sabha on Monday, Dr Meinya referred to the status report on the internal security situation in India which pointed out the main challenges to internal security and law and order in the country, and especially focussed on terrorist violence in Jammu and Kashmir, the North East and the Naxal affected areas.

He observed that while the situation in Jammu and Kashmir continued to show definite improvement, the situation in Assam and Manipur, besides other parts of North East India, remained an area of concern.

Even though the counter insurgency operations had been stepped up in the region; the killing of civilians, security personnel and insurgents was still taking place, Dr. Meinya said, adding that Manipur continued to be affected by insurgent activities promoted by outfits divided on ethnic lines. e termed Armed Forces Special Powers Act as infamous, and called on the Centre to repeal it, as per the recommendations of the Justice Jeevan Reddy-led Commission Report.

He concluded by saying that the situation in the state might go out of control, if steps were not taken to improve internal security and law and order. By Sanjay Kumar

ANI