Rights activists accuses Centre of step 'motherly treatment'

Imphal, April 19: Human Rights activist Khaidem Mani today (April 19) accused the Central government of "step motherly treatment" towards the people of north-east.

Mani, also a senior advocate, said when social activist Anna Hazare was on fast for few days, the Central government conceded to the demand of Hazare regarding setting up of a joint committee to draft the Lokpal Bill.

"However, social activist Irom Sharmila of Manipur who has been on fast unto death for more than 10-years years demanding withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1958 from the state has been ignored," he told reporters here.

Mani said he supported the movement spearheaded by Anna Hazare against corruption.

"My complaint is that the same yardstick should be used by New Delhi when dealing with others things," Mani said adding that "it appears that the Central government treat the people of north eastern region as second class citizens."

He said such "double-standard dealings" of New Delhi are "responsible" for the alienation of the people of the north eastern region.

"Lakhs of people across the country responded when Anna Hazare was on fast but they refused to acknowledge our sister Irom Sharmila who has been on fast for 10-years demanding withdrawal of the AFSPA," Mani said.

PTI