IMPHAL Sept 9: Former union home secretary, GK Pillai has called for consensus amongst people to press the Central government for the repeal of AFSPA from the state.
Pillai stated this today at the sideline of the inaugural function of Manipur State Consultation Workshop on Northeast Initiative on Skill Development for Overseas Employment organized by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and Government of Manipur at Hotel Classic, Imphal.
He further that the Central government intends to repeal the AFSPA, however, with no adequate consensus from the public the government is unable to do so to pacify those demanding its repeal.
The Union government has begun the process of seeking public opinion on the issue according to the findings of the negative aspects of the AFSPA appeared in Jeevan Reddy’s report, he added.
Appealing to the organizations in the state, GK Pillai maintained that putting general public at stake by imposing frequent obstructions on the national highways to realize some demands of the organizations should be avoided. Frequent infliction of disturbance to the commuters on the national highways has severely affected the progress of the state, he noted.
He further asserted that the protection of the national highways is a national subject and hence protecting and safeguarding the commuters as well as commercial vehicles plying on the highways is the responsibility of the Central government.
Pillai also appealed to all UG organizations operating in the region to shun violence saying that the time has come to bring out the differences on the table to find conducive environment in the region to bring tranquility and lasting peace.
Former union home secretary, GK Pillai and state chief secretary D.S. Poonia were the chief guest and president of the inaugural function respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, the dignitaries stated that the programme is meant for the development and welfare of the unemployed youths of the state.
Manipur Skill Development Society was established on February, 2011 in the line with the National Skill Development Mission was set up which is chaired by the Prime Minister of India. The society is tied up with various Institutions all over the country which will impart job oriented training courses to the youths of the state.
Later in connection with the workshop, a press conference was held in which a team led by D.S. Poonia along with the delegates from ICOE addressed the media persons highlighting on the programmes and schemes of the MSDS & ICOE.
