GUWAHATI: Reacting sharply to the Central government’s decision to extend the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA), 1958, in Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh for a further six months, Naga Students Federation (NSF) on Thursday said the continuation of AFSPA in the Naga homeland is not just regrettable but it is an affront to the principles of democracy, justice, and human rights.
The Ministry pf Home Affairs (MHA_) has extended for another six months the disturbed area status in parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland under the AFSPA.
The decisions have been taken after a review of the law-and-order situation in both states.
In a notification, additional secretary Piyush Goyal said, “The central government in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the AFSPA 1958 (28 of 1958) had declared the Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh and the areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai and Mahadevpur police stations in Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering the state of Assam as ‘disturbed area’ on March 24, 2023.”
In a statement here, NSF Medovi Rhi and general secretary Chumben Khuvung said the MHA’s decision to prolong the application of AFSPA, as per the notification dated September 26, 2023, on the pretext of “law and order” problem is an attempt to project the Nagaland state as a land of lawlessness and chaos.
“Over the years, this legislation has long been synonymous with grave human rights abuses, extrajudicial killings, and violations of civil liberties by armed personnel acting on behalf of the state- further exacerbating the mistrust between the civilian population and the security forces,” they said.
The NSF said it is a testament to the erosion of democratic principles when such legislation continues to be applied in a region that aspires for peace, justice, and reconciliation.
The student body called upon the Central government to repeal the contentious AFSPA and initiate a genuine process of conflict resolution that respects the rights and dignity of the Naga people.
“We implore upon the Central government to uphold the principles of justice, human rights, and the rule of law in the region,” the NSF further said.
The Naga student body also urged the Central government to engage in constructive dialogue with all stakeholders on board to work towards a comprehensive and enduring solution to the protracted Indo-Naga issue while fostering an atmosphere of trust and reconciliation.
“The NSF stands united with the Naga people in our quest for a just and peaceful society and we remain committed to advocating for the rights and aspirations of our people,” they added.
