Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 20:
United Committee Manipur (UCM) has categorically stated today that there is no use for reminding and putting pressure on the visiting Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Prakash Jaiswal for removal of Armed Forces Special Power Act from Manipur.
Talking to media persons at the Kekrupat UCM office this afternoon, president Sapamcha Jadumani said that the effort of the Chief Minister in inviting the Union Minister over a subject which is within the ambit of the State list is only a ploy to divert the attention of the people from the real issue.
The people of Manipur would not be contended by such move and the ploy would fire back on the Chief Minister himself, he stated.
Though the gesture of the Union Home Minister of State in coming to strife-torn State to look into the prevailing situation is welcome, Central Committee of UCM has decided not to accept the invitation extend- ed by CM�s Secretariat for a joint meeting within the Central leader, he informed.
Enumerating on the stand of UCM in turning down the invitation, Jadu-mani asserted that the de- mand for removal of Armed Forces Special Power Act from Manipur had been pressed strongly by UCM during meeting with the then Prime Minister and Union Home Minister in September of 2002.During that meeting attended by the Chief Minis- ter himself and leaders of other political parties, Prime Minister and Union Home Minister had made it clear that removal of the Act is the concerned of the State Government as law and order is a State subject, UCM president stated.
If the Chief Minister, his Council of Ministers and other MLAs could not fulfil the aspiration of the people, it would be more honourable on their part to resign from their respective posts.
The demand of the people could be fulfilled by them if they have real concern for the well welfare of the people.
So there is no need for bowing down to someone else for removing the Act, Jadumani stated firmly.
UCM secretary Yumna-mcha Dillip out-rightly rejected the Judicial Inquiry being instituted to probe into the killing of Th Manorama by 17 AR in their custody as an eyewash.
Any attempt of the Government to suppress the movement of the people would only infuriated the people all the more, Dillip remarked.