Reddy Panel: Act was to be scrapped, but Army opposed move
Source: The Sangai Express
New Delhi, January 04:
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act of 1958, which was the focus of the State-wide agitation in Manipur in 2004 after the rape and murder of Manorama Devi allegedly by Assam Rifles personnel, is being amended and relaxed, Home Ministry officials said.
A five-member committee headed by former Judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Jeevan Reddy, appointed soon after the agitation to suggest changes in the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), had recommended that the Act be scrapped altogether.
The panel observed that the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2004 was adequately equipped to tackle militancy and insurgency in the North-East.
At present AFSPA is in operation in Manipur, Nagaland, Assam and parts of Arunachal Pradesh.
It is understood that the Ministry too was in favour of scrapping the Act, but as the Army strongly opposed the move, it was decided to amend and dilute the Act by purging it of sections that gave sweeping powers to the Armed Forces.
It is understood that a consensus has been reached between the Home and Defence Ministries that special provisions of the Act which allow the Armed Forces to �use force to the extent of causing death�, detain suspects without having to produce them in a Court within 24 hours and searching and destroying suspected �shelters� will be done away with.
The Army has made a strong plea to retain sections of the Act that grant personnel immunity from prosecution for acting to discharge official duty.
The Home Ministry, on the other hand argued that the special protection under the Act is not required, as all officers, whether in the Armed Forces or in the civil administration, had immunity from prosecution for action taken while discharging official duty, in the Criminal Procedures Code (CrPC).
The immunity provisions in the Act will be watered down, sources said.
(Courtesy Indian Express).
The Sangai Express produces some reactions from Manipur.
Brother-in-law of Manorama : Sagolshem Dhiren of Bamon Kampu says, �Not acceptable.
We want total repeal of the Act.
Manorama's last rites are yet be performed for we are demanding the repeal of the Act.
Manorama's mother is still ailing, crying for the repeal of the Act� Kh Gourashyam (UCM Gen Secy) : �People's demand is total repeal.
No half baked measures will fulfil people's aspirations.
AFSPA is discriminatory and it should have no place in a democracy.� A woman who took part in the nude protest in front of Kangla : �I am against any adhoc measures.
What we want is total repeal of the draconian Act.
We will continue with our struggle until this Act is totally repealed from the North East region and Manipur.� Irom Sharmila Chanu is still continuing with her fast unto death demanding the total revocation of the AFSPA.