Imphal, October 19: Demanding immediate repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 and issuing a call to save the life of Irom Sharmila, the All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA) has questioned both the Union Government and the State Government over their irresponsible attitude even after the Justice Jeevan Reddy Review Committee had submitted its report last year.

Speaking at a press meet today, AMBA president Khaidem Mani observed that the review report had clearly accepted the contention of the people of Manipur that AFSPA was deliberately imposed to facilitate gross violation of human rights and to breed insurgents in the State.

Quoting the Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee report, Mani said that AFSPA is a discriminatory and in incomplete Act by itself with full of flaws.

The Act is a symbol of oppression, highly abominable in its contents and a means for subjugation and as such the demerits of the Act far outweighs its merits, said Mani quoting the 147 paged review report.

He noted that the report recommended in no unclear term for complete abolition of the Act.

Reacting to the notion that State administration could not be done without this Act, he said that army could be used even after the Act has been scrapped.

He contended army are being utilised in the administration of many States where there are no such draconian Act.

Taking part in the press meet, AMBA general secretary Abdul Qaiyum maintained that imposition of the Act was not at all related to fighting insurgency.

He reminded that it has been the long standing demand of the people of Manipur to repeal the Act which has completely failed to ensure welfare of the people.

Taking strong exception to the stoic silence maintained by the Union Government against the Justice Reddy Review Report, Abdul reiterated the demand to repeal AFSPA and to save the life of Sharmila.

On the other hand, showing solidarity to the cause of Irom Sharmila and extending support to the campaign of the Working Committee of Apunba Lup against the dreaded Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958, womenfolk of Arong and surrounding areas today staged a wakat meepham besides undertaking a mass rally.

The rally was organised by Chanura Apunba Lup which was constituted by the Meira Paibis of Arong, Nongmaikhong, Khordak and Laphupat Tera.

It was participated by a large number of women from these areas.

They also shouted slogans like, "Abolish AFSPA 1958", "Save Sharmila" etc.

Winding up the rally at Arong Khunjao Phouoibee Lairembi community hall, the rallyists staged a wakat meepham there.

Likewise, a protest rally was undertaken before staging a wakat meepham at Laphupat Tera High School ground today.

The rally was organised by Youth Development Club Arong Khunou.

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