DEBATE: Will the next government repeal AFSPA from Manipur?
Know what role the controversial law--the AFSPA--will play in the upcoming assembly polls in Manipur.
Imphal, Jan 18: It's Manipur's misery that the northeastern state has been living under the shadow of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) for decades, in spite of several protests, launched by civil society groups, demanding the repeal of the draconian law.
[Also Read: Manipur Assembly elections 2017: All you need to know]
Over the years, the AFSPA has become almost synonymous with the northeastern state. Or, even Jammu and Kashmir for that matter.
AFSPA
in
a
nutshell
The
Act
was
passed
by
Parliament
in
1958
which
grants
special
powers
to
the
Indian
Armed
Forces
in
areas
deemed
"disturbed"
by
the
Act.
Death
due
to
AFSPA
Because
of
AFSPA,
more
than
1,500
alleged
extra-judicial
killings
were
reported
in
the
state
in
the
last
three
decades.
Controversial
points
of
AFSPA
--After
giving
due
warning,
officers
can
fire
upon
those
acting
unlawfully,
even
if
it
causes
death,
for
the
maintenance
of
public
order.
--Destroy any arms dump, or fortified shelters or training camps which are used to attack from.
--To arrest without warrant anyone who has committed cognizable offence or is suspected to have done so.
--To enter and search any premises to make such arrests.
--To stop and search any vehicle reasonably suspected.
--Army officers have legal immunity over their offences. There can be no prosecution, suit or legal action taken against them.
--The government's decision on any area deemed disturbed cannot be brought under judicial review.
Demand
to
repeal
the
draconian
law
Now,
the
question
is
will
the
next
government
in
the
state
repeal
the
controversial
law.
The story of Manipuri activist and poet Irom Chanu Sharmila has become a legend across the globe.
The peace activist-turned-politician was on a fast-unto-death since November 4, 2000, demanding the repeal of the AFSPA which gives carte blanche to the security forces while combating the insurgents. She broke her fast last year and announced her entry into politics.
Sharmila is all set to contest the elections against incumbent Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh. Her party, the People's Resurgence and Justice Alliance, is fighting the elections to help repeal AFSPA from the state.
Polling for the 60 seats Manipur Assembly will be hosted in two phases on March 4 and March 8. Results will be declared on March 11. In the last assembly polls, the Congress won 42 seats and Okram Ibobi Singh was re-elected as the chief minister of the state.
OneIndia News