AFSPA extended for another year in Manipur

Imphal, Nov 30 (UNI) The Manipur government has decided to extend the ''Disturbed Area'' status for the state, leading to the enforcement of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958, for another year with effect from December 1, official sources said here today.

However, the Imphal Municipal areas, covering seven Assembly segments, will not be covered by the Disturbed Area status.

After the state witnessed massive protests in 2004 following the alleged arrest, rape and murder of a woman by 17 Assam Rifles personnel, the Manipur government decided to lift the AFSPA from the seven Assembly segments.

For the past more than three decades the AFSPA has been imposed in Manipur to ensure security in the state.

Under AFSPA the military personnel are empowered to kill anybody on mere suspicion and the victims are not allowed to move court without permission from the Union Home Ministry.

The imposition of AFSPA faces opposition from most political parties and NGOs of the state for alleged misuse of the Act to kill and arrest innocent citizens of the state.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in November 2004, had announced that the AFSPA will be replaced with a more humane law and a decision will be taken after Justice Jeevan Reddy Commission submits its report. The Commission had submitted its report recommending repeal of the AFSPA.

UNI NS DPM RD 1210