Church body demands repeal of draconic law in north eastern India

Nagpur – The executive Committee of the National Council of Churches in India recently demanded repeal of the ''Draconian'' Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA–1958) in Manipur and Nagaland. The misuse of AFSPA in the past has led to death of hundreds of innocent civilians and an almost dictatorial rule of the armed forces in the north eastern states of India.

A letter demanding the repealing AFSPA was forwarded to the Prime Minister, Defence Minister, Union Home Minister, Union Minister for Tribal affairs and the Chief Minister of Manipur.

The committee, in its two–day meeting held here last week, reviewed the situation prevailing in Manipur following the death of Manorama Devi in July. Laws like AFPSA contradicted the principles of justice, equality and fraternity enshrined in the preamble to the Indian constitution. It was also against human and civil rights.

The committee appealed to the people of Manipur and Nagaland to solve their problems without adopting violent methods and through dialogue and open discussions.