The Manipur government has initiated to sign a memorandum of understanding with Apunba Lup, a banner organisation of 20 groups that led protests against the alleged fake encounters on July 23, last year, to end the agitation in the state.
The panel, comprising parliamentarians, politicians and representatives from Manipur, will 'review' the Act and replace it by a more 'humane' one.
Manipuri organisations which oppose special powers to the army are open to holding talks with centre and state
As the President has been repeatedly informed about the 'gross violations of human rights' in Manipur, the student communities were expecting some action from him, they added.
Though armed personnel were positioned on the main roads of Imphal, strike supporters burnt tyres and blocked all roads in Imphal.
Not a single bus or truck bound for other states has plied since the blockade began, sources said.
The Kuki-Zo Council called for a 13-hour shutdown in Manipur's hill areas on Tuesday, demanding an investigation into the death of 11 people in a clash with security forces in Jiribam. The shutdown, which began at 5 am, saw schools, markets, and public transport remain closed. Various Kuki-Zo organizations, including the Kuki Students' Organisation, the Zomi Students' Federation, and the Hmar Students' Association, demanded a probe into the incident, accusing the Central Reserve Police Force of "treacherous murder." The Hmar Village Volunteers, who were identified by the Kuki-Zo groups as the victims, condemned the incident and called for intervention from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
A mother of two girls, Arambam Robita Leima said she would launch her fast-unto-death against AFSPA.
Questioning the relevance of the electoral process amidst the ongoing turmoil, the women traders from various market associations, are contemplating a boycott of the polls with their major grievance being -- 'the nation forgot Manipur'.
More than 40 people, mostly women, were injured after security forces fired several rounds of teargas shells to disperse thousands of protesters who tried to breach security barricades at Phougakchao Ikhai in Manipur's Bishnupur district on Wednesday, officials said.
Sources added that in the past one week, 4,000 trucks carrying essential supplies reached the valley via NH 37, which is the only road that is open for now.
On the occasion of her breaking the world's longest hunger strike, Rediff.com reproduces this 2011 feature on the activist and her life.
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