Will convince Centre to remove ‘draconian’ AFSPA from Manipur hills: Biren Singh

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Friday stated that he wanted the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) lifted from the hill areas of the state.

He, however, said that he needed to convince the central government for that to happen. On the appeal made by Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing to repeal the AFSPA in the hill districts of the state, the Chief Minister responded that he would try his best to approach and henceforth convince the Centre to remove the Act.

Replying to Keishing’s “Calling Attention Motion” in the state Assembly, Biren Singh termed AFSPA as a “draconian law” and ‘inhumane’. Recalling past instances of the same, he mentioned that the Act violated the Fundamental Rights of the citizens of India.

“I have long stood against AFSPA, both as a journalist and as a public figure. It is an inhumane and draconian Act that humiliates people, instills fear, and destroys dignity,” the Chief Minister said.

MLA Keishing strongly criticised the AFSPA, saying the law was the source of breeding insurgency in all Northeast states.

Keishing also called AFSPA a draconian law and inhuman, stating it violated basic human rights and fostered fear rather than resolving conflict. “This act defies all democratic norms, fundamental rights. The act has no place in a democratic government”, he said.

Recalling certain incidents related to the AFSPA, Keishing said that due to the act, many were scared to stay in the state. “Resourceless state like Manipur needs investors for development, in such disturbed area who will come”, he asked.

“It is called the land of jewels, Switzerland of India and also known as disturbed area”, Keishing said.

In response to the Motion, N Biren Singh said that many agencies had pressed the Centre to impose AFSPA after the May 3, 2023 incident in valley areas too.

He also stated that the imposition of AFSPA could not guarantee ideal laws and order established in the state. Singh went on to emphasise that the recent amendment of the three new criminal laws now imposed by the Supreme Court all over India, has more emphasis on dignity and humanity.

On the appeal made by MLA Keishing to repeal the AFSPA in the hilly districts of the state, the Chief Minister responded that he would try his best to approach and henceforth convince the Centre to remove the Act.

“They said I cannot control the situation. If the situation doesn’t improve, I don’t know how I will answer them next time, even though I said that I would control the situation”, said Biren Singh.

Manipur has been witnessing escalating violence since May 3, 2023, with 219 casualties reported after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ in the hill districts protested against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.