BJP calls for review of Armed Forces Act in Manipur

BJP has called for a review of the AFSPA, by deleting certain provisions, alleging their misuse, to find a solution to the current Manipur imbroglio.

BJP on Thursday called for a review of the Armed Forces Special Powers' Act, by deleting certain provisions, alleging their misuse, to find a solution to the current Manipur imbroglio.

HT Image

"The act can be reviewed. If there is any lacunae in it, that can be rectified by deleting those parts which prompted the security forces to misuse it," BJP's national vice president Thawar Chand Gehlot said commenting on the Manipur situation.

BJP MLA from Manipur M Bhorot Singh, who accompanied Gehlot, said with both the Centre and the 'Apunba Lup', apex body of 32 organisations spearheading the agitation for withdrawal of the Act, sticking to their respective positions it was high time for New Delhi to assess the situation.

He said a 'sense of alienation' was growing among the people of Manipur and if no remedial measures were taken immediately it would be 'too late' afterwards.

Criticising the UPA Government for not finding any solution to the imbroglio, the Singh said the Centre was not even taking any step to book the 'culprits' (those involved in 'misuse').

"This kind of dithering will prove costly for the country in the long run", he said.