NPP promises to repeal AFSPA from Manipur in manifesto

NPP is a partner of BJP-led government in Manipur but the party is contesting Manipur assembly polls on its own. In 2017, it won four seats and this time it is planning to contest as many as 40 seats.

The Manipur government has extended the “disturbed area” status of the state for a period of one year with retrospective effect from December 1, 2021, on Tuesday. Imphal Municipal Area is not part of it.

The repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 (Afspa), is an election issue in Manipur. The state is going to two-phase polls on February 27 and March 3.

Congress has promised to revoke Afspa if voted to power in the state.

NPP in its manifesto stated, “For instance, the Covid-19 pandemic has revealed the grim and stark socio-economic inequalities that persist in Manipur, the developmental differences and injustices among communities, and the asymmetry of access to basic necessities like quality healthcare and education between the hills and valley. NPP is very clear that to address these issues there is a pressing need for understanding the diverse perspectives, needs, and concerns of its citizenry. Manipur being a multi-ethnic and pluralistic society, these issues and concerns can only be rectified by formulating and implementing a strong coherent state policy on different thematic sectors through embracing the support and suggestions from various stakeholders, civil societies and grassroots movements. NPP is also keenly aware that key issues such as indigenous rights, AFSPA, universal access to quality health care and education, climate change and environment needs to be urgently addressed”.

NPP stated it will also consult with various civil society organizations to ensure an inclusive and comprehensive process toward addressing human rights violations and concerns, it will reach out to all stakeholders to ensure indigenous rights of all communities are protected.

The party promised it will focus on a dialogue process with insurgency groups & non-state actors for sustained peace. NPP proposed to create mechanisms to check and control leakage from government coffers and prevent wasteful expenses.

NPP will assess the existing school curriculums and revamp them with special focus on the inclusion of indigenous histories, linguistic diversity, gender sensitivity and consent, sexual and reproductive health, environmental education. NPP will facilitate infrastructural aid in order to meet telecommunication and digital connectivity needs in remote areas of the state for better access to educational resources

NPP will work towards banning monocultures such as palm oil plantations in forest areas. NPP will restructure the Loktak Development Authority to ensure its functioning is based on environmental and scientific concerns, and community needs.

NPP shall ensure scientific review of neo liberal policies such as the Manipur Hydroelectric Power Policy 2012, NE Hydrocarbon Visions 2030 etc. NPP will ensure Specialized Health Insurance schemes for women & adolescent girls.

NPP will increase maternity leave to 9 months along with provisions for paternity leave for up to 3 months for first born children. NPP will provide zero interest rate loans to women led Self Help Groups (SHGs) and ventures. NPP will establish a Gender Justice Commissions for the 15 LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual) community to address their concerns comprehensively.

NPP will work toward action-based reforms such as establishing gender-neutral washrooms in public spaces, health infrastructure that addresses specific needs of the LGBTQIA community, and mitigating discrimination. NPP will facilitate quality training and coaching of youth in different fields of sports.