Imphal, December 13: Extending support to the collective move being made by various political parties to repeal the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, former Prime Minister and national president of Janata Dal (Secular) HD Deve Gowda has demanded scrapping of all the black laws from the North East region.

"It is quite clear in the findings of the Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee which has favoured scrapping of the Act," Gowda said while addressing a press conference at Hotel Imphal here today.

He also demanded that the report of the Committee be tabled in Parliament for discussion on the necessary procedures to be taken up for scrapping the draconian Act.

Taking serious note of Union Defence Minister AK Antony's view point on retaining the Act and PM Dr Manmohan Singh's remarks that some provisions of the Act would be amended, the JD (S) chief categorically stated that the law and order of the State would not collapse by repealing the Act.

Gowda who addressed the media soon after his arrival at the State capital today, said "our party's firm stance is to scrap the Act.

This will be included in the top chart of the party's manifesto of the Assembly elections scheduled to be held in February next year".

Another major point to be listed in the party's manifesto is safeguarding the territorial integrity of Manipur, he said, adding "there is no question of breaching the territorial boundary of Manipur as far as our party's stance is concerned." On the arrested development in the North East, he said his party is deeply concerned about the issues prevailing in the region.

"During my short tenure of 10 months and 21 days as Prime Minister, I travelled extensively in all States of the North East to study the people's feeling and aspirations and subsequently I announced a huge economic package", the former Prime Minister said.

He hoped that the people in the region still have faith on his party and hence the people of Manipur will support JD (S) candidates in the upcoming Assembly polls.

Responding to a query, Gowda observed that since there has been a coalition trend in the country his party would emerge and hold the reign of power in the next Ministry formation.

"Indian politics is in fluid atmosphere.

No single political party has ruled the country since the recent time.

In my period there had been a coalition of 13 political parties and 21 parties supported the then BJP led NDA Government while 23 parties are supporting the current Congress led UPA Ministry", he said.

Though no explicit decision on the poll strategy has been taken "I will consult with the State unit party president W Kullabidhu Singh to finalize it soon", he said.

Before wrapping up his whistle visit to Manipur, Gowda also addressed a political party meeting at Gandhi Memorial hall here.

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