Imphal, Nov. 23: Chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh today announced his government’s decision to extend the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in the state for another year.

The cabinet last night decided to extend the army act in entire Manipur, barring the seven Assembly constituencies in Imphal municipality area from November 30, Ibobi Singh said. Probably keeping in mind the popular angst against the act, he said: “The state government wants to withdraw the act. But given the prevailing situation in Manipur, the Centre would never allow us to lift it. Instead of lifting it from the other areas, we fear the act may come back to the municipality area as well if the situation continues,” Ibobi Singh told reporters on the sidelines of a function in Chandel district.

The Ibobi Singh government withdrew the Disturbed Area Act from Imphal municipal zone in August 2004 following the custodial death of Thangjam Manorama at the hands of Assam Rifles personnel.

The army act is applicable only in areas where the Disturbed Area Act is in force.

Centre clears plan: The Union home ministry has accepted in principal an action plan submitted by the Okram Ibobi Singh government to tackle insurgency and law and order problem in Manipur.

Ibobi Singh submitted the action plan to the Centre a couple of weeks back. The ministry had earlier asked him to draw up an action plan to combat the growing lawlessness in the state.