IMPHAL, April 10: All eight candidates in the fray for the Inner Manipur Parliamentary seat were of one mind regarding their desire to see the Armed Forces Special Powers’ Act repealed.
INC candidate Dr Th Meinya who has been the MP for two consecutive terms and aspiring for the third consecutive term spoke about the Act’s repeal even though the AICC leadership has never even mentioned about repealing AFSPA.
He was speaking at the “Meet Your Candidates” of the inner constituency for the 16th Lok Sabha Election, 2014 organised by the Editors’ Guild, Manipur under the sponsorship of the CEO, Manipur at the Classic Hotel, today.
Trinamool Congress Party candidate Manaobi and Jai Maha Bharat party candidate Jotin Oinam were however, absent from the meet.
The interaction was moderated by Impact TV news editor Yumnam Rupachandra.
Meinya said he will work for the repeal of the AFSPA and the state territory if elected for the third time.
He continued that he has raised the AFSPA issue at the Parliament.
BJP candidate, RK Ranjan also spoke on similar lines and on his concern regarding the removal of the Act which was different from the party’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi’s view on the subject.
Modi had earlier said that AFSPA was still relevant in some parts of the country.
Dr M Nara spoke on electoral reform and said it was needed to bring down corruption in the state.
The present UPA government follows a pro-rich policy, and if their policies are continued further in the state, than Manipur will suffer more, he observed.
This is where a proportional representation is needed in the state, he said.
He said he alone cannot bring any change to the conflict situation.
However, he has already prepared mentally on what issues to rise inside the Parliament if elected, Nara said.
He too spoke on his desire to see the draconian act repealed.
The lonely lady candidate of the inner constituency, Oinam Indira reflected on women empowerment.
All the male candidates have been serious about the issues confronting the state, she said.
However, there has been no woman representation at the Parliament from the state, Indira lamented.
She continued she will fight for the unemployed youth and for women’s empowerment to check crime against women.
Meanwhile, Manipur democratic people’s front’s candidate Dr G Tonsana said that Manipur is in danger. He will fight for the people of Manipur in the parliament and there are no difference of opinion between Kukis, Nagas, Meiteis and Muslims.
