Paswan in Manipur to review PDS

FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

IMPHAL, February 14: Ram Vilas Paswan, the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution arrived in Imphal today.

He was received at the Tulihal airport by Okendra Moirangthem, the State Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution at the airport along with MLA Karam Shyam and others.

The Union Minister later attended a public function at Lilong in Thoubal district. He was accorded a warm reception there. Speaking to the people, he said that he would urge the Prime Minister to repeal the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.

He said that Irom Sharmila has been on fast unto death since November 4, 2000 demanding the repeal of this army Act. He also said that there is a need to introduce the food security in Manipur.

His Lok Ja Shakti party has been an ally of the Congress.

During his two-day stay, he is scheduled to review the public distribution system in Manipur.

Meanwhile, the Jata Dal (United) also submitted a memorandum to the Home Minister Rajth Singh this morning at Raj Bhavan demanding inter alia the repeal of the AFSPA from Manipur.

Disclosing this to reporters today, M. Tombi the state unit president of JD(U) said that some personnel are misusing the provisions.

Recently, one Assam Rifles personnel had detained a minister, an MLA and their entourage along the highway.

One reporter was beaten up and his camera stched at Moreh on the eve of the arrival of the home minister.