Imphal, October 12: The Left parties particularly CPI (M) have decided to challenge the continued imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 in Manipur during the forthcoming winter session of the Parliament.

Speaking at a press meet today at the State Guest House, Central Committee member of CPI (M), Nurur Hooda pledged to exert strong pressure on the UPA Government to repeal the Act from Manipur in toto by joining all the like minded MPs.

He reminded that the review committee headed by retired Justice Jeevan Reddy constituted by the Union Government to look into the reports of gross violation of human rights and excesses committed by security forces under the immunity provided by AFSPA had submitted its report last year.

Nurur Hooda also conveyed aspersion on the motive and logic behind the refusal of the Union Government to publish the recommendations of the review committee for such a long time.

Recalling that the Left parties had convened a meeting earlier at Delhi for abolition of the Act, he disclosed that the deliberations made on the issue since yesterday have not been completed.

The deliberations would continue tomorrow too with the Left parties of Manipur, he added.

The main agenda of the ongoing deliberation is to affect publication of the Justice Jeevan Reddy Review Committee report, he mentioned. Asserting that the Union Government could not remain indifferent to the ongoing agitation and sustained campaign of the people of Manipur against AFSPA even as Sharmila had shifted to New Delhi to go on with her campaign, Nurur assured that CPI (M) would to take due responsibilities in the issue of AFSPA 1958.Concerning termination of part time lecturers, the CPI (M) central committee member alleged that such abrupt termination of part time lecturers from service without giving any rational reason is a clear proof that the existing State Government has no concern for the people.

He maintained that the terminated lecturers must be reinstated to their posts adding that the State Government should initiate process to regularise those teachers fulfilling service norms.

Regarding the forthcoming Assembly elections, Nurur Hooda said that the party is considering if CPI and CPI (M) could go together in Manipur.

Saying that the CPI has been acting as if they have no definite policy even though they were a partner of the SPF Government led by Congress party, he observed that CPI has been unable to say anything to ensure even PDS (Public Distribution System) items to people.

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