Imphal, Dec 27: In view of the persistent demand from the various parties including the ruling allies, the BJP government is likely to propose to the Centre to withdraw the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) from the entire state, especially in view of the Assembly elections early next year.
Ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) two vital allies — Naga People’s Front (NPF) and National People’s Party (NPP) — and the main opposition Congress in Manipur have been demanding for withdrawal of the AFSPA from the entire Manipur.
The state cabinet is expected to soon sit and pass a resolution proposing the Centre for a total withdrawal of AFSPA, well placed government sources said.
The process of taking opinion of state’s security machinery has already begun, the source added.
The main opposition party Congress has already made a poll promise for withdrawal of AFSPA in the state in its first cabinet meeting, if voted back to power in Manipur.
With the increase of the violent activities of the militant outfits, the Union Home Ministry in consultation with the state government had imposed the AFSPA in Manipur on September 8, 1980.
The Congress government led by the then Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh proposed the Centre to withdraw the AFSPA from seven of the 60 Assembly constituencies and the Union Home Ministry that time vacated the special act from the plain areas under the seven Assembly segments.
