Manipur violence: Centre urged to revoke AFSPA after mob attacks CM Biren Singh's house
Manipur government has formally requested that the Centre review and withdraw the reimposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in six police stations across the state.
Manipur violence: The Manipur government has formally requested that the Centre review and withdraw the reimposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in six police stations across the state.
On November 14, the Ministry of Home Affairs reimposed AFSPA in several locations, including Sekmai PS and Lamsang PS in Imphal West, Lamlai in Imphal East, Moirang in Bishnupur, Leimakhong in Kangpokpi, and Jiribam, which has seen recent violence.
In a letter to the Centre, the joint secretary (home) stated that during its meeting on November 15, the state cabinet deliberated on the matter and resolved to suggest the removal of the declaration of certain regions as disturbed under Section 3 of AFSPA 1958.
The state government urged the Centre to review and withdraw the November 14 notification in the interest of public welfare.
Protesters attacked the residences of three state ministers and six MLAs on Saturday, only hours after the bodies of all six missing people were found in a Manipur river.
In response, government officials issued indefinite prohibitory orders in five districts and halted internet connectivity in sections of the state.
Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi has ordered a two-day temporary suspension of internet and mobile data services in the concerned districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur, beginning at 5.15 p.m. on Saturday.
On Saturday evening, a mob attempted to enter Chief Minister N Biren Singh's ancestral residence, escalating tensions between police officers and protesters.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an apex group representing civil society organisations in the Imphal valley, has requested military action against terrorists within 24 hours.
Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, said on Saturday that the recent violent riots and ongoing bloodshed in Manipur are "deeply disturbing." He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the state and work to restore peace in the region.