IMPHAL— Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday informed that disturbed area status under Section 3 of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958 had been withdrawn from areas under the jurisdiction of four more police stations -- Leimakhong, Nambol, Moirang and Wangoi -- with effect from April 1 for a period of six months.
Addressing a press conference at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Saturday evening, Singh said that with the 15 police stations lifted earlier, disturbed areas status had been withdrawn from a total of 19 police stations falling under state's seven districts namely Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kangpokpi, Kakching and Jiribam.
Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam; Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Sapam Ranjan; Chief Secretary Dr. Rajesh Kumar; Additional Chief Secretary V Vumlunmang; and senior officials of the Home department also attended the press conference.
Recalling the hardships faced by the people of the state due to AFSPA, he said the Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi had started lifting the disturbed area status from different police stations.
He expressed gratitude to the Central leaders on behalf of the Manipur government and its people, adding that lifting of the disturbed area status from another four police stations, not waiting for any protest and demand from people’s side, showed their concern for the Northeastern states particularly Manipur.
He further expressed the Prime Minister’s concern for the state in different fields including the implementation of Inner Line Permit System to protect the indigenous people and its culture, renaming Mount Harriet in Andaman as Mount Manipur and others.
The CM also appreciated the Central leaders for their love and respect for the people of the state.