(a) whether the Government has entered into a dialogue with the leaders of the groups demanding for the scrapping of Armed Force Special Power Act in Manipur;
(b) if so, the outcome thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to bring peace and normalcy in the State?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI S.REGUPATHY)
(a): A delegation of `Apunba Lup` leaders from Manipur met the Prime Minister, on 1st November 2004 and the Home Minister, on 2nd November 2004.
(b): The delegation reiterated their demand for repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.
(c): The Government have appointed a Committee to review the provisions of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and to submit its report within a period of six months. To Kangla Fort has been vacated by the Assam Rifles and handed over to the State Government for development as national heritage. A Unified Headquarters has also been established in the State for coordinated operations against militants by the Security Forces.