The first step of removing AFSPA from the state is to take a cabinet decision of lifting the ‘Disturbed Area’ tag and seeking the approval from the governor and President of India, said acting chairperson of Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) Khaidem Mani on Friday.
He was delivering his speech during the observance of International Human Rights Day, 2021 organised by MHRC at the Hotel Imphal in Imphal West.
There is no question of being unable to remove AFSPA from Manipur by the state government as there are proper channels and steps for the repealing of AFSPA from the state, Mani said recalling the lifting of AFSPA from seven assembly constituencies of Manipur during the previous government term.
Mani said that a MHRC case has been ongoing in the Commission in connection with the removal of AFSPA from the state, and the Commission had directed the chief secretary and DGP to submit written explanation as to why AFSPA should not be repealed from the state.
However, there was no response from the government in this regard till date, he added.
The acting chairperson also informed that the Commission is taking a major role in investigation, promotion and protection of human rights.
Asking the public to not hesitate in approaching the Commission regarding human right violations, he assured that the Commission will look into the issues. Mani further stressed on the need of various civil bodies or groups which work in the field of human rights to educate the public on the issue.
As a part of the observance, various experts spoke on the ‘Role of Manipur Human Rights Commission,’ ‘Role of Police in the promotion and protection of Human Rights’ and ‘Prospect of Conflict resolution in Manipur.’
