The CPI on Friday demanded immediate scrapping of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), saying there should be no delay in the name of seeking a consensus on the issue.

The party's demand came a day after Home Minister P Chidambaram said he was trying to evolve a consensus to revisit AFSPA but it needed a consensus within the government before the amendments can be brought before Parliament.

In a statement, the CPI Central Secretariat said the Jeevan Reddy Commission, appointed by government, has already recommended scrapping of the Act.

Demanding the immediate repeal of the law, the party said it would also enable Sharmila Irom to end her fast and lead a normal life.