Imphal: The Manipur Government today (Aug 12, 2004) withdrew the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act from seven Assembly constituencies in Imphal areas in spite of the Centre not favouring it, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh announced in Imphal.

The Government decided to lift the Act from municipal area having 10 per cent of the total population of about 24 lakh people, Singh told reporters.

The Chief Minister admitted that the Centre was not in favour of withdrawing the Act and under Section 3 it could withdraw or re-impose the Act in the State.

The decision to withdraw the Act from all Imphal municipal areas under the jurisdiction of seven Assembly constituencies was taken in view of the people's demand for lifting it from the entire state.

Minutes after the Cabinet meeting, Special Secretary (Home) S Dinokumar Singh issued a notification lifting of the Act from the Imphal municipal area.

Stating that the Government could not fulfil the full popular demand, the Chief Minister said the Cabinet reviewed the overall situation arising out of the custodial killing of Th Manorama Devi by Assam Rifles personnel on July 11 and following the demand for lifting of the Act by the people.