Centre extends AFSPA in Nagaland for 6 more months amid Oting killings row

New Delhi: Days after a committee was formed to review AFSPA in Nagaland, the Home Ministry on Wednesday extended the act in the state for another six months, it was reported here on Thursday.

A notification issued by the Home Ministry on Wednesday declared the state as a 'disturbed area' for six months starting from December 30, and extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.

"Whereas the Central government is of the opinion that the area comprising the whole of the State of Nagaland is in such a disturbed and dangerous condition that the use of armed forces to aid the civil authorities is necessary," a gazette notification said.

"Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (No. 28 of 1958), the Central Government hereby declares that the whole of the said State of Nagaland to be a ‘disturbed area’ for a period of six months with effect from December 30, 2021, for the purpose of the said Act."

On Sunday, amid the growing clamour to repeal AFSPA following a firing incident in Nagaland's Mon district, the Centre formed a Committee to look into withdrawal of the controversial act in the state.

The Indian Army inquiry team constituted to investigate the botched up operation which led to killing of 14 civilians, visited the site at Oting village on Wednesday. (UNI)