Manipur CM calls for review of AFSPA

Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said time has come to review the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in the state because of the prevailing peace, but time has not yet come to lift it totally.

While reviewing the AFSPA, the security concerns of the state sharing international border or being in the vicinity of other countries should also be considered, Singh told a group of visiting journalists here Wednesday.

The state shares a 398-km-long border with Myanmar, while China and Bangladesh are in the vicinity.

"Manipur is a peaceful state now, but the country's security must be a priority. Financial help and arms supply by foreign countries cannot be ruled out," Singh said.

"Personally, I would like to ask the Centre to lift it given the law and order situation, but since we have international borders, we cannot ask for its lifting," the chief minister said in reply to a question whether there is need for AFSPA to be in force in the state.

Major General V K Mishra, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 57 Mountain Division of the Army, which spearheads counter-insurgency operations in Manipur, said the AFSPA was a prerequisite for the Army to maintain peace in the militancy-affected state.