Imphal, November 26: Along with organising a political dialogue on the demand for repealing Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958, the Anti-AFSPA Day would be observed by Amnesty International at Manipur Press Club here tomorrow.

The political dialogue which is expected to be attended by leaders of various regional and national political parties will begin from 10 am onward.

Addressing a press conference at the office of Human Rights Alert this afternoon in connection with the observance of Anti-AFSPA Day, co-ordinator of Amnesty International, Imphal Group LC Jenine said the political dialogue on the demand for repealing AFSPA is being organised in view of the necessity of Parliamentary and Legislative action in this regard.

The Anti-AFSPA Day is being observed by the Amnesty International, India in support of the 'dos' and 'don'ts' laid down for the security forces to be followed in places which are under the imposition of Disturb Area and Armed Special Powers Act in 1997 by the Supreme Court, Jenine said, adding that it is the 8th edition of Anti-AFSPA Day to be observed in Manipur tomorrow would be organised jointly y AI Imphal Group-I and II.

Although the sustained agitation of the people, six year old fast unto death stir of Sharmila and recommendations made by the Jeevan Reddy Committee in its report indicate the moral victory of the demand for repealing the draconian Act, any real action from the political parties and Parliamentarians in this regard is yet to be witnessed.

So into order to fill up this gap, the political dialogue to be attended by leaders of all the political parties is being facilitated, Jinine explained.

Co-ordinator of Amnesty International Imphal Group-II Munindro Waikhom who was also present at the occasion categorically stated that those political parties which shy away from participating in the political dialogue tomorrow would only show themselves how they look at the issue.

Apart from finding out which political parties are for or against AFSPA, it is hoped that the political dialogue to be attended by responsible leaders of all the national and political parties would help in chalking out future course action to be pursued for withdrawal of AFSPA from Manipur, Munindro added.

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