Nagaland: Voices get louder for repeal of AFSPA after killing of civilians

Guwahati: Within hours of the killing of more than a dozen civilians allegedly by the security forces in Mon district in Nagaland, demands are being raised from various quarters for the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Forces Act, 1958-which gives power to the security forces, such as to use force without a warrant to the extent of causing death on suspicion they are militants.

In a statement issued by the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPS), which is a coalition partner on the government led by Chief Minister Neiphu Rio, it said the NDPP urgently request the government to take up the issue of repealing the armed forces special powers act,1958 which has become redundant in Nagaland.

It further said when the Indo-Naga issue is nearing its conclusion, such random and dastardly acts by the security forces are unfathomable.

Notably, NDPP is a coalition partner with 21 seats in the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland led by BJP with 12 seats in the 60 member assembly.

Meanwhile, the insurgent group NSCN (IM) which is involved in peace talks with the Modi government for a permanent solution to the vexed Naga issue issued a statement saying that it is a `black day for the Nagas as they mourn the barbaric killings of 15 innocent villagers in the Oting village under Konyak region in Mon district.

The statement further said, “The Nagas in the past had faced a trigger happy Indian security forces, acting with impunity under the government of India’s Armed Forces Special Powers Act which is mainly used against the Naga political movement”. (UNI)