Imphal, November 22: Terming it as an irresponsible remark, the Working Committee of the Apunba Lup, a conglomerate of various social organisations, spearheading the movement for withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from Manipur, has strongly reacted to the Chief Minister's statement that the Act may be reimposed in the seven Assembly segments of Imphal Municipality.

Addressing a press conference in this connection at the office of Ethno Heritage Council here today, co-ordinator of the Apunba Lup, Sunil Karam said such irresponsible remark of the Chief Minister would only invite the wrath of the people and the Apunba Lup may be constrained to launch various intense agitations against the Government in case of reimposition of the draconian Act from where it had been lifted due to public pressure.

The threat of reimposing Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 in the seven Assembly segments of Imphal Municipality instead of taking up necessary measures to rectify its mistakes shows the inherent weakness of the Government, Sunil said.

It is becoming clear day by day, the Government has failed to provide security to its people.

Instead of protecting its people, the Government is giving its permission to the security forces to kill and harass innocent people.

It is to prevent such atrocities of the security forces that the people of Manipur have been demanding complete withdrawal of the Act from Manipur, Sunil pointed out, while appealing to the people to stay alert of the move being made by the Government.

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