Imphal: CPI (Communist Party of India) general secretary A B Bardhan today (Oct 1, 2004) welcomed talks between leaders of Apunba Lup and Governor S S Siddhu to find a solution to the crisis arising out of the demand for removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

Talking to newspersons in Imphal, Bardhan, who came here to attend the 108th birth anniversary celebration of the great Manipuri leader, Hijam Irabot, said that the culprits involved in the killing of 30-year-old Thangjam Manorama Devi should be punished after completing the inquiries into the circumstances leading to her death after her arrest by Assam Rifles on July 10.

He said that the CPI supported the demand for removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur and also shifting of the Assam Rifles from Kangla here to other places.

Bardhan appealed to the Apunba Lup leaders to call off their blockade on the Manipur portion of national highways as it had severely affected the common people.