PM for changes in Armed Forces Act

The home ministry officials are working on the matter, says Manmohan while talking of amendments to the Act.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced in Imphal on Saturday that changes would be made to a tough law that gives sweeping powers to security forces and has come under attack from rights activists.

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"I believe we need to consider some amendments to the (Armed Forces Special Powers) Act by modifying existing provisions or inserting new provisions whereby it would be made more humane giving due regards to the protection of basic human and civil rights," Manmohan Singh said in Imphal.

He added that the home ministry officials were working on the matter.

The prime minister was greeted on his arrival from New Delhi by a general strike called by two separatist groups.

Manmohan Singh, who visited Manipur two years ago, also announced sops to the state, which elects a new assembly early next year.