Repeal AFSPA from Northeast: Nagaland Assembly passes resolution

Dec. 20: The Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Monday unanimously resolved to demand that the Centre repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 (AFSPA) from the Northeast and especially from Nagaland.

The resolution moved by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio stated, “The Nagaland Legislative Assembly unanimously resolves to demand that the Government of India repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from the Northeast and especially Nagaland.” The resolution further stated, “The Nagaland Legislative Assembly vehemently condemns the massacre that took place in Oting-Tiru village area in Mon district on 4th December 2021 in the indiscriminate firing by the 21 Para Special Forces of the Indian Army in which 13 innocent people were killed.”

The Assembly has also sought apology from “appropriate authority” and “assurance of justice” against those responsible for the killing of innocent civilians.

Meanwhile, large number of protesters took to the streets at Kohima in Nagaland on last Friday with placards that said, “Repeal AFSPA, Nagas are not terrorists.” Recently, 14 civilians were killed in an alleged ambush by security forces at Oting village in Mon district of Nagaland earlier this month. . The protesters also demanded that Union Home Minister Amit Shah should withdraw his statement made in the Parliament, where he stated that the security forces fired in self-defence.

It needs mention here that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) was extended for another six months in Nagaland in July 2021. Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) declared Nagaland a “disturbed area” for six more months till December-end under the AFSPA. In a notification issued by the MHA, it was stated that the Centre is of the opinion the Nagaland is in ‘disturbed’ and ‘dangerous’ condition.

The AFSPA was introduced in the north-eastern states to curb insurgency. It allows armed forces the power to maintain public order in ‘disturbed areas.’