The protracted issue of Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 (AFSPA) and the undergoing demand for its complete removal from the state is poised to enter a decisive stage which, as one can only hope against overwhelming odds, would lead to a peaceful and lasting solution. The statement made by Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State (MOS) (Home) on his visit to the state have made it undeniably clear that the onus of determining the necessity or otherwise of continuing with the imposition of the dreaded and much reviled AFSPA rests solely with the State Government. The statement of the minister also raised a whole load of questions the state government would rather prefer to stay clear of. The public will undoubtedly be hearing a rejoinder on the particular statement from the state government who, right now, almost certainly will have been scampering all over in an attempt to prepare one. Most importantly, the observation by the MOS contradicts the long standing claim of the state government on its inability to make any significant decision despite its well meaning intentions and resolution of complete removal of AFSPA from the state. And while it is highly unlikely that the visiting MOS is misinterpreting the provision of the act, the dilemma of the public deepens. Is the MOS, and effectively the centre, trying to wash its hands off the whole sordid affair called the AFSPA 1958 by transferring the responsibility and accountability of managing and administering the act? Or, has the state government, despite the powers and the authorities vested in it as indicated, been deceiving the public all along, playing to their uncertainties and insecurities for as yet unverified rumour of considerable personal benefits and largesse from the centre? Has the act been used as a shield to propagate what is termed the ‘state-sponsored terrorism’, feeding off the fear and anxiety of the gullible public by those who are in power and position? The state has been experiencing uncountable excruciating psychological blows and tolerating unbearable collective social insults perpetrated by extrinsic forces using the shield of the AFSPA. Not surprisingly, the rate of atrocities or incidences of terrorism and crime have not increased after the act was removed from the Greater Imphal area, a clear testimony to the contention that the AFSP Act is desolate, archaic and draconian which only serves to suppress the freedom and liberty of a society and to destroy the unity and resilience of the inhabitants consequently making them subservient to the whims and fancies of those in power and position.
The ball is now being placed in the court of the state government. How it is played by the Ibobi-led administration will determine the future, not only of the state but of the stake of the ruling party as well.
