Manipur Guv says he will urge Centre to withdraw AFSPA from State

Last Updated on February 17, 2023 by SPN Editor

Manipur Governor La Ganesan has said that he will urge the Centre to withdraw AFSPA. The Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 (AFSPA) will be removed if there is overall improvement in law and order situation where complete peace, calm and tranquility persist in the State.

The Governor was addressing a community interaction programme held at Nungbi Khullen Public Ground under Chingai Sub-Division, Ukhrul district on Tuesday on the first day of his two days visit to Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.

La. Ganesan said that with the improvement of law and order situation, the Disturbed Area Status has been withdrawn from some areas of the State. The Governor conveyed that if there is complete peace and tranquillity in the rest of the State in the coming days, then he will urge the Centre to completely withdraw the Act.

La Ganesan further said that there are certain issues which need to be addressed immediately. Some issues are local which are in the concern of the State Government. In such issues, he assured the people that he will ask the Chief Minister to take prompt action.

Insisting people of the State to cooperate with the government especially in four different aspects, the Governor said that firstly, all citizens should at least enrol for Aadhaar Card. All need to open a bank account to get the benefits of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), he added. He continued that all have to be vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine as it will help us to fight the pandemic.

Stating that cross-border smuggling activities including drugs is becoming a tough challenge these days, the Governor urged the people to cooperate with the Government in fencing works in the border line once the work begins.

Earlier the Tangkhul Civil Society Organisations has urged the Guv to persuade the Centre to withdraw AFSPA completely from the State. Four memorandums were also submitted to the Governor. They also urged to exempt the Northeast from the imposition of Hindi language.

Krishna Kumar (IAS), Deputy Commissioner, Ukhrul, Saujanya Singh (IPS), SP, Ukhrul, District Level Officers and villagers greeted the Governor on his arrival at Nungbi Khullen Village. Cultural songs and dances were also performed as a part of the programme.

Governor La. Ganesan also inspected the famous Nungbi Pottery works of the village. The Governor was accompanied by his Secretary Bobby Waikhom during his visit.