Amid Criticism, BJP Clarifies Stand On Repeal Of AFSPA From Manipur

Manipur Elections 2022: Biren Singh has campaigned across the state holding his trademark small meetings where he interacts with voters.

Ahead of the first phase of assembly polls in Manipur, Chief Minister N Biren Singh has said that five years of his government in the state has ensured peace which has laid the foundation for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the future. This statement comes at a time when the BJP has been criticised for its silence over AFSPA in its campaign and manifesto. All other leading political parties in the fray have pitched the repeal of AFSPA as a key poll promise in Manipur. 

"We have a sensitive border with Myanmar. So, the Centre has to be convinced before lifting AFSPA. The peace talks process with rebel groups will pave the way for this. The state government will have to create the ground situation, and for the last five years, we have been working towards it. The last five years of the BJP led government has laid the foundation for the repeal of AFSPA in the future," Chief Minister Biren Singh told NDTV on the sidelines of the last day of the poll campaign on Saturday. 

Today is the last day of campaigning in Manipur for the first phase of polls to be held on February 28. Chief Minister Biren Singh has campaigned across the state holding his trademark small meetings where he interacts with voters on poll agendas. 

Mr Singh told NDTV that the BJP has an edge and predicted at least 40 seats out of a total of 60 for his party. He also brushed aside leadership change post-poll.