The Hindu : National : Panel to be set up for reviewing Armed Forces Act

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Friday, Nov 19, 2004

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National

Panel to be set up for reviewing Armed Forces Act

By Vinay Kumar

NEW DELHI, NOV. 18. Ahead of the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh's visit to Manipur on Saturday, the Union Home Ministry today decided to constitute a five-member committee to review the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958.

Official sources said the committee would be headed by a former Supreme Court judge and would consist of "eminent jurists and persons with experience and knowledge of the North-East." It is likely to submit its report within six months. However, its terms of reference and the names of its members would be announced shortly, sources said.

The decision to set up the committee was taken by the Home Minister, Shivraj Patil.

The Act has been in the centre of a controversy. Its enforcement in Manipur has drawn angry protests in the recent past, which climaxed in demands for its withdrawal in the wake of the alleged rape and killing of a 32-year-old woman, Manorama Devi, near Imphal on July 11.

The last three months saw the agitation spreading in Manipur and many sections of civil society, students, human rights groups and women's organisations participated vociferously in the demand for its withdrawal.

Representatives of Apunba Lup, the apex body of 32 organisations, spearheading the prolonged agitation, called on the Prime Minister and the Home Minister on November 1 and 2.

They were given an assurance that the Government could consider reviewing the Act and, if necessary, replace it with a "more humane law" as in the case of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA).

The brief Home Ministry order said the decision to constitute the committee to have a look at the AFSPA was being taken "in pursuance of the demand made by the people of Manipur."

In their meeting with the Prime Minister, the Apunba Lup leaders pointed out that the law was draconian and if the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government could revoke POTA, why similar consideration could not be shown to the demand made by almost all sections of civil society.

Dr. Singh indicated that an outright repeal of the Act might not be possible, but certain provisions could be reviewed.

Sources, however, did not rule out the possibility of wider consultations with Apunba Lup representatives and other sections of civil society by the expert committee.

They expressed the hope that the announcement could provide the groundwork for the Prime Minister's visit.

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