GUWAHATI: The Manipur government has urged the Indian government to withdraw the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958 from areas falling under the jurisdiction of six police stations in the state. This request follows the reimposition of AFSPA by the Ministry of Home Affairs on November 14 in violence-hit regions.
ALSO READ: MLA Residences, Churches Under Attack As Manipur Burns In Ethnic Violence
The areas affected by the reimposition include Sekmai Police Station (PS) and Lamsang PS in Imphal West, Lamlai PS in Imphal East, Moirang PS in Bishnupur, Leimakhong PS in Kangpokpi, and Jiribam PS in Jiribam district. These regions have witnessed heightened violence in recent days.
In a letter, the Joint Secretary (Home) informed the Centre of the state cabinet's recommendation. “The State cabinet has deliberated upon the reimposition of AFSPA in its meeting held on November 15 and has decided to recommend that the central government review and withdraw the declaration of these areas as disturbed areas under Section 3 of AFSPA, 1958,” the letter stated.
The government’s request cites public interest as the primary reason for the withdrawal, emphasising the need for stability and public trust.
The reimposition of AFSPA has been met with mixed reactions. While some see it as necessary to manage the volatile situation following ethnic violence between the Meitei and Hmar communities, others, including civil society groups, view it as counterproductive, potentially exacerbating tensions.
With the Centre yet to respond, the issue remains a critical point in Manipur’s ongoing efforts to restore peace and order at the moment.
The ethnic violence that broke out in May last year has so far claimed over 250 lives and displaced more than 60,000 who are now sheltering in relief camps in Manipur and adjoining Mizoram.
The latest bout of violence started with the killing of a woman in Jiribam, slaying of 11 militants and discovery of six bodies. The violence then spread to Imphal where houses of a few MLAs were attacked on Saturday. An attempt to storm a residence of Chief Minister Biren Singh was, however, thwarted.
