DAA extended by 1 yr in Manipur, DPP laments

Imphal, May 29: Bellying all expectations, the State Cabinet today extended the enforcement of the controversial Disturbed Area status under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 in Manipur by one more year. The Cabinet move was termed as "very unfortunate" by the DPP which had made revoking the status it's plank for joining the ruling SPF. The decision for extending the tenure of the Act for one more year was taken today during the extended session of the State Cabinet which failed to reach a consensus on the issue yesterday. The meeting held at the conference hall of the Chief Minister's Secretariat was presided by Chief Minister O Ibobi. The Act was enforced in Manipur after the State was declared disturbed in 1980. The Act was extended for two years during the time of Chief Minister W Nipamacha. Since then there have been 6 months extensions and the term of the last extension expires on May 31 this year. The final decision on the issue was deferred till today after the Cabinet failed to make a decision yesterday. Today's Cabinet meeting discussed in detail the current law and order situation of the State. After a detailed deliberation, the meeting finally decided to extend the enforcement of the Act by one more year. It also agreed to invite underground groups for talks for improving the law and order situation of the State during the one year period of the extension. The Cabinet further decided to work for reviewing the AFSPA for revocating the Act within one year's time. An all political parties meeting will also be convened on the matter. Prior to the Cabinet meet, a meeting of the steering committee of the ruling SPF was held. After discussing the issue in detail, the meeting concluded that revoking the Act in the prevailing circumstances is not in the best interest of the State. Sources said the Union Home Ministry had on an earlier occasion intimated the State Government not to withdraw the Act in the prevailing situation. The State was also recommended that revoking the Act could lead to severe consequences. In the meantime, DPP president Khaidem Mani has termed the Cabinet decision as very unfortunate. He reserved a direct comment for the moment but said there is no change in the stance taken by the party earlier. DPP had stated that it will review its decision of going together with the ruling SPF if the latter fails to revoke the status in at least some areas of the State. A politburo meeting of the party may be convened in the first week of June to discuss the matter, Mani said adding the outcome of the party may also decide the faith of the party's continued relation with the SPF. It may be recalled that the 7th Manipur State Assembly during the tenure of Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam had initiated discussions for withdrawing the Act from the State.