The government of Manipur is likely to extend the disturbed area status for a period of one more year in the state of Manipur. The disturbed area status which has been declared in the state of Manipur excluding the seven assembly segments of Imphal Municipal area with effect from December 1 last year ends on November 30 this year. Under section 3 of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, it is mandatory for declaring the region as “Disturbed Area” for enforcing of the Armed forces act.
According to a source, the Home department of the Government of Manipur has seeks opinions from the army, paramilitary forces and the central government intelligence agencies regarding the declaration of the disturbed area status in the state of Manipur. The source added that the home department has also seeks opinions for declaration of the status to the 7 assembly segments where the disturbed area status was lifted on experimental basis. It may be mentioned that the disturbed area status, which empowered the enforcement of controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) has been lifted from the seven assembly segments of Imphal Municipal area in the year 2005 on experimental basis following a massive protest for repeal of the act.
In a letter written to the GOC 57 Mountain Division, IG Assam Rifles (South) and the CRPF, Joint Secretary (Home), Government of Manipur had requested them to submit their views regarding the declaration of the disturbed area status before November 30.
Interestingly the opinion was seek on November 5, when the human rights activists from across the country were organizing a function showing solidarity to Irom Chanu Sharmila at Lamyanba Sanglen here in Imphal. Irom Sharmila is on fast unto death protest for over 13 years in protest against the draconian act – AFSPA and is being forced fed by detaining her on the charged of attempted to suicide.