The Congress has stated that the state of Manipur deserves a better government.
Congress party was reacting to the extension of the armed forces special powers act (AFSPA) in Manipur.
“Manipur deserves a government that listens to their voices, not one that straight up goes against it,” the Congress party said.
Notably, the ‘draconian’ AFSPA, has been extended in the entire state of Manipur, except for the Imphal Municipal area, for one more year.
Also read: Manipur: Two blasts near Congress leaders’ houses in Imphal
AFSPA gives the military sweeping powers to search, seize and even shoot suspects on sight without fear of prosecution.
The decision to extend the act was taken by the Manipur government at a time when the demand for repeal of the act is growing louder in the Northeast.
The repeal of the AFSPA has become a top issue in the upcoming Assembly elections in Manipur.
The demand for repealing of the draconian Act from the Northeast has gained momentum after the security forces killed 14 civilians in Nagaland on December 4.
Also read: Nagaland govt firm on repeal of AFSPA, says CM Rio
Notably the Congress has stated that if it returns to power after the elections, the first cabinet meeting would decide on the immediate and complete removal of AFSPA from the entire state of Manipur.