IMPHAL, February 16: The State unit of the Lok Janasakti Party will pressurise the Central government to repeal AFSPA, 1958 from Manipur and to streamline the disparity of PDS items in the State very soon, stated L Kheroda Meetei, the Central advisor of the LJP, Manipur.
Speaking at a press meet at North AOC, Minuthong near MMTA complex, L Kheroda said various political parties of the State have raised their voices for the repeal of AFPSA, 1958 from the State. The incumbent Congress government has the power to repeal AFSPA but unfortunately it is not interested in getting the Act repealed.
She further lashed out at the government for intentionally imposing AFSPA till date in the State. It is within the powers of the State government to get the Act repealed as it is not under the purview of the Central government, he said, adding that if the disturbed area status is removed, AFSPA would lose its potency.
Regarding the repeal of AFSPA from the State, he said, the State Unit of LJP submitted a memorandum to Union CAF & PD Minister Ram Vilas Paswan during his recent visit and the party has got the information that after his return to Delhi, he has submitted the written letter to the Union Home Minister and has met Prime Minister Narendra Modi today.
He said the national leader of the party will soon direct members of its State unit to visit Delhi, and members of the party`™s State unit and other civil societies of Manipur fighting for the repeal of AFSPA will rush for Delhi, expressing his optimism that the Act would be soon lifted.
He further said that the PDS item distribution system in the State is in a vulnerable condition, with even the Union CAF and PD Minister expressing his reservations about it.
The volunteers of LJP, Manipur will monitor every step of the PDS in Manipur thoroughly so that the norms as laid down by the Central government are transparently and accurately followed in the State, he added.
He said the Chairman of National LJP, Ram Vilas Paswan has instructed them to strengthen the party by making it well organised in the State too. As per the instructions of the national leader, the State LJP will organise a membership drive very soon and the party will give more emphasis to educated youths so that the State can become free from corruption and transparency is maintained under Modi`™s idea of a Digital India.
The LJP has also prepared a list of potential candidates for the up-coming ADC elections in the hill districts and the party will capture at least six MLA seats in the Manipur Legislative Assembly at the Assembly Elections, 2017, stated Kheroda Meitei.