Imphal: The ruling Congress has pledged to improve the law and order situation in Manipur and withdraw the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) if voted to power in the assembly election.

Releasing the party's manifesto at Congress Bhavan here today, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Gaikhangam in the presence of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said the party will improve the law and order situation and withdraw AFSPA which has been a long standing demand of the people of the state.

"Congress party stands for unity, peace, stability and progress and will take up development programmes," Gaikhangam said.

Speaking on the occasion chief minister Singh asserted that his party candidates who received threats from militant groups will not be cowed down and fight the poll on the development plank and the various achievements of the government in the last decade.

"We will strengthen Lokayukta and take strong measures to guard the territorial integrity of the state," chief minister said.

On the steps taken by his government to improve road communication, Singh said, "We can say with great pride that the roads even in the interior areas of the state have been improved."

Admitting that road communication can be improved further particularly in the hill districts of the state, the chief minister said his government has already taken steps to improve National Highway-39 and National Highway-53 which are the lifelines of the state.

PTI