Imphal, April 12 : The CPI today released its election manifesto in Manipur, giving equal importance to the process of finding a peaceful solution to the problem of militancy through dialogue and repealing the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.
The party also accorded top priority to safeguard of territorial integrity of Manipur, which is an emotive issue in the state. The CPI is fielding former cabinet minister Moirangthem Nara Singh in Inner Manipur constituency, which has seven candidates in the fray.
The CPM, the RSP, the Forward Bloc and the Janata Dal (Secular) are supporting Nara Singh. The CPI is not fielding any candidate in Outer Manipur constituency.
“Singh will take up the issue of peace talks, repealing the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and safeguarding of Manipur’s territory once elected,” CPI state secretary Langol Iboyaima said while releasing the manifesto at the party office here today.
Iboyaima also said the CPI would press for the implementation of Justice Jeevan Reddy Commission report and repeal of the armed forces Act. The manifesto said the security forces should be sent back to their barracks and state forces should replace central forces. For this, more battalions of India Reserve Battalion and Manipur Rifles should be raised.
The manifesto promised to work for the youths and reservation of seats for women in the Assembly and Parliament. “We will pursue a pro-poor policy. We will press for the expansion of the rural employment guarantee scheme to urban areas as well,” Iboyaima said.
Other priorities mentioned in the agenda of the party were better sports facilities for the youths of Manipur and improvement of health care facilities, among others.
