Imphal (DIPR): Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has informed that “Disturbed Area” status under Section 3 of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958 had been withdrawn from areas under the jurisdiction of four more police stations including Leimakhong, Nambol, Moirang and Wangoi.
Briefing media personnel at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Saturday, the Chief Minister said that with the earlier withdrawal of disturbed area status from areas covered by 15 police stations, now Disturbed Area status had been withdrawn from a total of 19 police stations falling under seven districts viz Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kangpokpi, Kakching and Jiribam for a period of six months w.e.f. April 1.
Biren Singh recalled the hardship faced by the people of the State earlier due to the imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958. Acknowledging such hardship, the Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi had started lifting of the disturbed areas from different police stations, he added.
He expressed his gratitude to the Central leaders on behalf of the State Government and its people, saying that lifting of disturbed area status from another four police stations, not waiting for any protest and demand from people’s side, shows their concern for the Northeastern States particularly Manipur.
The Chief Minister maintained that the Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi not only aims to bring development in the State, but also keeps high respect for the people of the Northeast.
He also expressed the Prime Minister’s concern for the State in different fields, mentioning the implementation of the Inner Line Permit System to protect the indigenous people and its culture, renaming Mount Harriet in Andaman as Mount Manipur and others.
Concluding his briefing, the Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the Central leaders for their love and respect for the people of the State.
Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Information and Public Relations 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 briefing.
