Ratan Thiyam

Imphal, Sept. 12: Internationally-acclaimed theatre personality from Manipur, Ratan Thiyam, today joined the chorus for withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act from the state.

The Padmashree-winning director of Imphal?s Chorus Repertory Theatre criticised Delhi for its indifference towards the plight of the people of Manipur, who were living under perpetual fear of ?sudden death? at the hands of security forces.

?Till now, the central leaders are treating us as second-class citizens. This is very unfortunate,? he told mediapersons at his theatre here.

Thiyam?s outburst came after Union home minister Shivraj Patil?s visit to Manipur failed to resolve the agitation. His anger was stoked further by defence minister Pranab Mukherjee?s refusal to make any commitment on lifting of the act from the state.

Yesterday in Calcutta, Mukherjee declined to say whether the act would be lifted at all. He brushed aside the topic, saying the Centre was constantly reviewing the situation in the state.

?The Centre has tried precious little to understand the root cause of the people?s anger. Shivraj Patil, too, returned to the capital without fully understanding the sentiment and wishes of the people. His brief tour has caused further provocation,? Thiyam said.

?The imposition of the armed forces act over the past 40 years had delivered a severe blow on the economic activities and psyche of the people of Manipur. The people are no longer feeling secure from the security forces,? he added.

Thiyam said no central leader thought it proper to visit the state when it was on the boil during the uprising against the extension of the NSCN (I-M) ceasefire in June 2001.

Extending support to the popular demand for withdrawal of the armed forces act, he called for a joint struggle of the ruling parties, the Opposition and intellectuals in the state. Thiyam also appealed to the government to initiate steps to restore normal classes in educational institutions.

Education in the state has been completely derailed since the agitation started in the second week of July following the death of Thangjam Manorama in Assam Rifles custody. Students from Class XI to the university level have been boycotting classes.