IMPHAL, December 2: The cabinet decision to extend the `Disturb Area`™ status in all parts of the State for another year, excluding Imphal Municipal areas is against public interest, Janata Dal United State unit president Moirangthem Tombi asserted today.
People from all walks of life have been voicing their concern against the continued imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and demanding its repeal from the entire State, he told media persons during a press meet at the party`™s Babupara office today.
However, the cabinet has decided to extend the `Disturb Area`™ status, he lamented observing that this could only mean that the government has no concern for the people of the State.
Although the dreaded Act was implemented in order to curb and control insurgency problems in the State, it has only helped increasing the number of insurgents, and at the same time the people continue to suffer under the security forces, he continued.
Tombi alleged that both the Central and State forces are involved in drug trafficking under the impunity provided by the Act.
The extension of the Act for one more year means that the people will have to suffer for another year in the name of fighting insurgency, he added.
He also charged the State government of violating the rights of the people and neglecting the concern of the people against the Act and said the Okram Ibobi led Congress government is indulging in widespread corruption.
He said it is more than 14 years, since Irom Chanu Sharmila first began her fast demanding repeal of the Act.
Tombi said the issues confronting the State will be tabled during the Janata Parivar meeting which started from today at the national capital.