Imphal, October 07: Observing that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 has failed to serve its purpose, MPP has demanded publication of the AFSPA Review Committee's report.

MPP noted that the infamous Act has been ironically contributing to the growth of numerous militant groups rather than containing insurgent movement.

During a press meet today at the MPP office, its president Dr L Chandramani noted that the 6 year long campaign of 'Iron Lady' Irom Sharmila against AFSPA has become a national issue.

He asserted that the draconian Act should be repealed in toto from the State.

Observing that AFSPA imposed in Manipur in 1980 after declaring the whole State as 'disturbed area' has been breeding militant groups rather than subdue insurgency, Dr Chandramani proposed a more humane Act that AFSPA.

Insisting that report of the Justice Jeevan Reddy Review Committee should be made public, he asked whether the Union Home Minister would table the report in the forthcoming winter session of Parliament.

Recalling that merger of the then independent Manipur into the Indian Union was not affected with the consensus of the people, the MPP chief asserted that Government of India ought to change its attitude to the people of Manipur.

Observing that the insurgency movement in Manipur is in pursuit of a political goal, Dr Chandramani opined that the Union Government need to frame a clear cut policy to solve this long standing issue.

Contending that the Union Government had done nothing to win the hearts and faith of the people of Manipur, the MPP leader conveyed serious inkling of harbouring imperialist mind set against the Union Government.

Acknowledging that the protracted agitation of Sharmila is justified, Dr Chandramani demanded adequate health care facilities from both the Union and State Governments.

Taking part in the press meet, RK Anand construed that the existing UPA Government is a puppet of the Indian army.

He observed that the Union Government would no longer enjoy moral authority to rule the country if they fail to recognise the sensitivity of the issue being pursued by Sharmila.

Reiterating that army and weapons are not solutions of the problems plaguing the State, Dr Nimaichand Luwang urged to initiate political talks.

He also maintained that the State Government ought to frame a definite and consistent policy to address the problem of insurgency in Manipur.

To a question, Dr Chandramani disclosed that MPP would meet the Prime Minister if necessary, but they would first talk with the Governor and the Chief Minister.

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