In the Manipur Legislative Assembly floor on Thursday, MLA Leishiyo Keishing strongly criticised the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA,) stating that AFSPA is a mother of insurgency in the entire Northeast states.
Leishiyo Keishing drew a calling attention motion to the leader of the House on a long standing demand for removal of AFSPA from the hill areas of Manipur.
The MLA termed the act as a draconian law and inhumane, stating it violates basic human rights and fosters fear rather than resolving conflict.
Highlighting article 4 (a) of the act, he said that the AFSPA grants non-commissioned or commissioned officers the authority to take lives, which has led to killings and custodial deaths.
“This act defies all democratic norms, fundamental rights. The act has no place in democratic government,” he said.
Recalling past instances, he said that many are afraid of living in the state due to the act. “Manipur needs investors for development. In such a disturbed area, who will come?” he asked.
Manipur is called the ‘Land of jewels, Switzerland of India’ and known as a ‘disturbed area’, he said, adding that this situation feels awkward and the situation gives a negative impression upon others.
Responding to the MLA, Chief Minister N Biren shared his experience of working as a journalist who often faced harassment from the army and police.
He said that the way India treated the leaders during the time of merger was not acceptable. “Had they given us the respect we deserved, we would not be facing these problems now,” CM Biren said.
He said that the imposition of the act, known to be a draconian law, cannot guarantee an ideal law and order condition.
CM Biren revealed that there has been pressure from certain agencies to reimpose AFSPA in the valley, expressing his strong opposition to that.
He mentioned the new three criminal laws that have been passed with humanitarian aspects, stating that they can address the situation without resorting to AFSPA.
He himself desires to remove AFSPA from the hill areas but the central leaders need to be convinced first, he said. “I will try my best to convince the centre to remove the act from the hill areas,” he added.
