Imphal Sept 19: The Ex-MLA and former Law Secretary L Ibomcha Singh, has strongly critisised the statement of the Army Chief General, VK Singh, that the AFSPA is an “enabling†provision, not “arbitraryâ€.
In a statment, L Ibomcha Singh, former Law Secretary, who had authored a book depicting human rights violations by security forces under AFSPA, said, the army Chief was yet to know the problems of human rights violations in the North Eastern States and Jammu & Kashmir.
Strongly criticizing the Army Chief General, Singh in his official statement further said, people has suffered for decades under the Act but security forces were still unable to suppress the insurgency problem in the regions.
His statement further mentioned that, it was unfortunate the Army Chief General was yet to understand the problem faced by the people of North Eastern States, especially Manipur and Jammu & Kashmir and added how people were fed up and dissatisfied under the Act could be judged from the several prolonged agitations demanding immediate repeal of the Act.
His statement also further mentioned that a responsible persons like, General VK Singh should not make such comments on the Act while the AFSPA review Committee set up by the Centre has already submitted its report for repealing of the controversial Act.
The statement further said, its is now clear that the imposition of AFSPA in North Eastern States and Jammu & Kashmir is futile exercise. Rather, it has been proved having the opposition of desired effect which yields negative results. Every will agree that it has outlived its utility. The sonner it is withrawn/scrapped from Manipur, the better will be for all. If it continues, it will erode the delicate social fabric and the people, who have already borne the brunt of the Act, will further be alienated from the national mainstream, and the Act had not only inflicted harm on human being but also cause mental suffering to thousands of innocent civilians, the statement added.
