Repealing AFSPA is CM Biren’s Success

Last Updated on February 17, 2023 by SPN Editor

Centre has decided to remove the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from certain districts in Nagaland, Assam and Manipur. Repealing AFSPA from Manipur is the effort of CM N Biren who have been successful in gaining trust of the Centre that Manipur is now a peaceful state. The decision has come in the backdrop of vociferous demands from various states in the Northeast to remove AFSPA following the killing of over a dozen civilians in Mon district of Nagaland last year.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted the historic step thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “In a significant step, GoI under the decisive leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi Ji has decided to reduce disturbed areas under Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the states of Nagaland, Assam and Manipur after decades.”

Today, we must not forget Irom Chanu Sharmila, the Iron Lady who fasted for 16 long years to protest against AFSPA. Movement for removal of this act gains momentum last year, when security forces ambushed and killed 15 civilians in Mon district of Nagaland.

Soon after the ghastly incident, Chief Ministers from Northeast states have strongly came out to repeal AFSPA. Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma; CM of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu; Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio calls for scrapping this Act. Even Manipur CM N Biren Singh has said he wanted AFSPA to be repealed, but added that national security cannot be compromised.

The Manipur government has persuaded the Union Home Ministry to repeal AFSPA since there has been peace in the state for the past four-five years. Speaking exclusively to News18 in his first interview after becoming the chief minister once again, N Biren Singh said about his government’s plans to get the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act removed from the state.

Replying to a question from News18 on repealing of AFSPA, Biren confidently said that definitely it will happen. He further goes on to say that they have identified certain parts of the state and already requested the Center. He added, “Some positive things will come, I believe. It’s under discussion and I believe that will happen.”

Now, we heard the good news from Centre, AFSPA is going to be reduced in some parts of the State. This is the first achievement of N Biren Singh’s second term. During his first term, Manipur got the Inner Line Permit system. The incumbent CM is working hard to bring peace and development in the state.

One of his wishes comes true, now will he be successful in convincing the revolutionaries to join the mainstream? Let there be mutual understanding among them and work for a new horizon of changes in the State.