Mail News Service
Imphal, Dec 6 : The Supreme Court has fixed Jan 4 for hearing on AFSPA. The W.P.(C) no.445/2012 for the same was filed by Dr. Th. Suresh, ex-Director of Health Services, Manipur on 19/9/2012. 1st hearing was held on 19th Oct., 2nd on 5th Nov. and 3rd one on 23rd Nov. this year. The specific prayer in the W.P. was i) removal of AFSPA from Manipur and ii) squashing of the latest Govt. of Manipur order dt. 30th Nov, 2011 declaring the whole state of Manipur (except Imphal Municipality Area) as Disturbed Area as conferred under section 3 of AFSPA,1958.
It is worthwhile to remember that the draconian Act was first introduced in Sept., 1958 for Assam and Manipur specifically to counter the then violent Naga insurgents. The Act was amended in 1972 to cover the entire 7 N-E states of India. In Dec. 1979, the Act was re- introduced in Manipur in some part of the present Imphal Municipality Area and latter on extended to all parts of the state ; i.e. this Act is continuing uninterrupted for 33yrs. in Manipur (except Imphal Municipality Area). The Act was however withdrawn from Imphal Municipality Area consisting of 7 assembly segments in August, 2004 in the wake of violent demonstrations/street fights/self emulations ect .throughout the state because of rape and torture death of one girl – Th.Manorama Devi by 17 Assam Rifle Personnel posted at the heart of Imphal.
The case is heard by a double bench consisting of Justices Mr. Aftab Alam and Mrs. Ranjana Prakash Desai. The petitioner is represented by Sr. Advocate Jaideep Gupta and Advocates S. Biswajit and Ashok Km. Singh. In the 2ndst hearing, notices were issued to both the central and state Govts. Interestingly, both failed to file counter affidavits up to the 3rd hearing by requesting for more time to the Apex Court. The case is tagged with W.P.(Crl) no. 129/2012 in respect of Extra Judl. Execution in Manipur under AFSPA. The Apex Court appointed Advocate Ms.Menaka Guruswamy as Amicus Curiae to assist the Apex Court. In the 2nd hearing, National Human Rights commission was also directed to file its response by 21st Nov.2012.
In the 4th hearing today i.e. 6th Dec.2012, Sr. Counsel Jaideep Gupta was told by the Apex Court that AFSPA case is an important one and will be heard thoroughly. The next hearing is hearing is fixed on 4/1/2013.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/hearing-on-afspa-on-january-4/
