New Delhi: Rights activists from Manipur on Monday released to the media what they claimed was the report of the Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee on a controversial anti-terror law that has sparked widespread protests in the state.
The report on the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 they claimed, had recommended the law should be repealed.
The move by the Apunba Lup, a grouping of Manipuri socio-political organisations, came in the wake of a protest here by, Irom Chanu Sharmila, who has been on a fast for the past six years to demand withdrawal of the law.
The activists, however, rejected other recommendations of the Jeevan Reddy Committee, saying any attempt to transfer the "draconian provisions" of AFSPA to any other law was not acceptable.
"While the recommendation to repeal the AFSPA is welcome, the amendments which could make the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 more draconian and allow virtual army rule all over the country, are unacceptable," Babloo Loitongbam, director Human Rights Alert, said releasing the report.
Following widespread protests against the law, the Centre set up the expert panel headed by former Justice Jeevan Reddy to review the legislation in 2004. The panel last year submitted its report to the Centre, which is yet to act on its recommendations.
Babloo also critised the Delhi Police for not allowing Sharmila to move out of All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
The police had shifted her to the hospital from Jantar Mantar on Friday night when her health condition deteriorated and slapped a case of attempted to suicide against her.
However, Babloo claimed, "Police has not charged her. She continues to be arbitarily detained in AIIMS and is being prevented from leaving the hospital".
He said they would send a report to Geneva-based UN Working Group on Arbitary Detention.
Meanwhile, AIIMS sources said the condition of Sharmila is stable and she is put on intravenous fluids.
They said she could be released within two-three days.
Human rights activists from Manipur said they were not allowed to meet Sharmila or enquire about her health condition.
Sharmila, 33, has been fasting since November 2000 and
was force-fed with a nasal tube by the Manipur government.
Rights activists claim the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act gives sweeping powers to army and paramilitary troops conducting anti-insurgency operations.
Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party leader Mahabir Singh in a memorandum to President A P J Abdul Kalam demanded immediate scrapping of AFSPA from Manipur and release of Sharmila.
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