More humane law in offing for Manipur

The Prime Minister said a "humane" law twould be in place once the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act was reviewed.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday expressed the hope that a "humane" law that protects national security and human rights of the people of Manipur, would be in place as early as possible, once the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) was reviewed.

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"It is my sincere desire to find credible ways and means...while protecting the interests of national security and safeguarding the fundamental human rights of our citizens," he told a press conference in Imphal at the end of his two-day visit to Manipur.

The Prime Minister's visit was rocked by violent protests following a controversy over the rape and killing of a woman, allegedly by Assam Rifles personnel. The demand for the repeal of AFSPA also resurfaced.

Singh said a high powered committee headed by a former Supreme Court Judge Jeevan Reddy had been set up to look into the functioning of the Act.

The committee would see its weaknesses and if necessary, replace it with a "humane" Act, which can take care of the concerns of national security and protect the fundamental rights of people, he said.