Imphal, February 03: In case Nationalist Congress Party is elected to power, NCP would move to adopt a resolution in the Parliament for repeal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 from Manipur, assured former Lok Sabha Speaker PA Sangma.

Sangma was speaking at an election meeting at the residence of Kshetrigao A/C's NCP candidate Thangjam Nandakishore (Tayai) today.

Observing armed forces of the country were not established to kill innocent citizens, he flayed the killing and torture of civilians by security forces in Manipur.

Acknowledging that the people are against the continued imposition of the Act, the former Lok Sabha Speaker pledged NCP would lend its support if the Congress party take up the issue in the Parliament in order to repeal the Act from Manipur.

Contrary to the policy of the Congress party which believes in peace and development, NCP believes in development and peace, said the former Lok Sabha Speaker.

Only when there is development, peace can be a reality, he asserted.

Saying that NCP gives more emphasis on development, Sangma said that NCP would concentrate on development of the Northeastern States including Manipur which is lagging far behind other regions of India in terms of development.

Capitalising on the Look East Policy, NCP would strive to improve the economic conditions of the people of North East States, Sangma said.

Touching on the problem of insurgency, Sangma said that that the problem is related to the high level of unemployment in the region.

Saying that the insurgency movement could not be suppressed by force, he noted that the Government should put its efforts to solve the problem through dialogue.

He further called upon the people to cast their votes after studying all the political parties and the candidates.

The meeting was also attended by NCP State unit president Radhabinod Koijam.