The Center recently re-imposed the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in the 6 Police Station Zones of Manipur

Imphal:

Defying the curfew, members of various civil society organizations held a rally in Manipur’s Imphal West district on Tuesday to protest against the re-imposition of AFSPA in parts of the northeastern state.
The procession was, however, stopped by the police at the Keisampat junction as it defied the block ban order in view of the recent violence in the northeastern state.

Members of All Manipur United Clubs Organization (AMUCO), Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur and other local bodies took the rally from Kwakeithel area of ​​the district and covered about 3.5 km before being stopped, a protester said.

“We strongly condemn the re-imposition of AFSPA in areas under six police stations. A fire incident took place in Jiribam district just days after AFSPA was re-imposed in Jiribam,” he said.

He was referring to the Jiribam fire incident that left one person dead and another injured on Sunday evening.

The incident took place during a clash between security forces and a mob vandalizing properties in Babupara area of ​​Jiribam.

AFSPA gives armed forces operating in disturbed areas extensive powers to search, arrest and open fire if deemed necessary to “maintain public order”.

The Center recently re-imposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in the six police station areas of Manipur, including violence-hit Jiribam.

In a notification, the Union Home Ministry said the decision was taken in view of the continuing volatile situation there due to the ongoing ethnic violence.

The police station areas where AFSPA has been reimposed are Sekmai and Lamsang in Imphal West, Lamlai in Imphal East, Jiribam in Jiribam district, Leimakhong in Kangpokpi and Moirang in Bishnupur.

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