IT News
Imphal, Aug 8:
In today’s assembly session, INC MLA Leishiyo Keishing strongly criticized the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), likening it to “Tapta,” a fear-inducing figure from local folklore used to discipline children. He condemned AFSPA as undemocratic and inhumane, arguing that it violates basic human rights and fosters fear rather than resolving conflict.
Leishiyo Keishing, in a calling attention motion at today’s assembly, pointed out that AFSPA grants non-commissioned officers the authority to take lives, which has led to killings and custodial deaths. “This act defies all democratic norms; they can come anywhere and do anything. AFSPA has no place in a democratic government,” he asserted. He further argued that instead of curbing insurgency, AFSPA has exacerbated it, citing the rise in insurgent activities in Nagaland and Manipur since the act’s implementation.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who also holds the Home Minister portfolio, responded by sharing his own experiences as a journalist and human rights advocate. “During my days as a journalist, we were often harassed by the army and police. The way India treated our leaders during the time of merger, I cannot agree with. Had they given us the respect we deserved, we wouldn’t be facing these problems now,” he said. Singh acknowledged that the people had suffered under AFSPA, describing it as a “draconian act” and inhumane.
The Chief Minister also revealed that there has been pressure from certain agencies to reimpose AFSPA in the valley, a move he has strongly opposed. “They said I cannot control the situation. I told them I have controlled the situation. If the situation doesn’t improve, I don’t know how I will answer them next time,” he stated.
N Biren Singh concluded by emphasizing that three new laws have been passed with a focus on humanitarian aspects, reinforcing his commitment to addressing the situation without resorting to AFSPA. He even expressed his desire to remove AFSPA from the hill areas too but we need to convince the central leadership regarding this.
