New Delhi, January 20: A large section of people in Manipur want the repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) but favour presence of Army and other Central forces in the State, a committee appointed by the Centre said today.

Briefing reporters about its visit to Manipur to assess the public opinion, former Special Secretary in the Home Ministry and member of the Committee P P Shrivasthav said that they met a large section of people, including a faction of Apunba Lup, who demanded withdrawal of the Act.

The Committee, headed by Justice (retd) BP Jeevan Reddy, was formed ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh�s visit in November last year prior to which the State witnessed large scale protests against the Act.

"However, while everyone favours repealing of the Act, they want Army and other Central forces to remain in the State to maintain law and order," Shrivasthav said.

He made it clear that in case of any repealing of the Act, a substitute law needed to be formed for the Army, which had been tackling the militancy in the State.

"We need some Act for them (Army) as they cannot function without any guidelines...This will hamper their morale," he said.

He said the Committee would be visiting other States of the North East including Assam, Tripura and Meghalaya from February 7 to 12.

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