Page 22 - Afspa News Today

Irom Sharmila said in an interview with the Imphal Free Press that it is time to abolish AFSPA from the entire state, and time to start focusing on development and connectivity to make Manipur self-reliant.

In a major step taken after decades, the Centre on Friday reduced disturbed areas under Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the states of Nagaland, Assam and Manipur; and kept it effective in a few districts and areas falling within the jurisdiction of some police stations in these states for next six months.

It must now extend the process to rest of the areas in the Northeast as well as in the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir

Rights activist Irom Sharmila welcomed the Centre's decision to reduce areas under the Act's purview in Assam, Nagaland and Manipur, but maintained that the "draconian, colonial law" should be rolled back completely.

AFSPA: Areas under draconian law reduced in India's northeast

The governor expressed his gratitude to the Central government and observed that the state government was able to take this landmark decision under the dynamic leadership of Narendra Modi.

A day after the withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from most parts of the state, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma appealed to militant organizations including the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) to give up arms.

With little progress in the High Court, victims seeking justice are left high and dry, said EEVFAM and HRA.

The Government will withdraw the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act (AFSPA) from the state, baring nine districts and a subdivision from midnight today.

Irom Sharmila said in an interview with the Imphal Free Press that it is time to abolish AFSPA from the entire state, and time to start focusing on development and connectivity to make Manipur self-reliant.