New Delhi: Condemning the recent civilian killings in the Mon district of Nagaland, the state legislative assembly unanimously adopted a resolution on Monday, December 20, demanding the Centre to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
The move comes against the backdrop of vociferous demands from several sections in the northeast, in aftermath of Nagaland civilian killings on December 4, to rescind AFSPA. The controversial law, which is in force in Assam, Manipur, Nagaland and parts of Arunachal Pradesh, gives sweeping powers to security agencies to detain and arrest people without a warrant in areas designated as “disturbed”.
The resolution moved by Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio was adopted by voice vote during the one-day special session of the Assembly held to discuss AFSPA, 1958 and its application to Nagaland.
It also vehemently condemned the massacre that took place in Oting – Tiru village area in the Mon district on December 4 in the indiscriminate firing by the 21 Para Special Forces of the Indian Army in which 13 innocent people were killed, followed by the killing of one innocent person by security forces at Mon town on December 5 and injuring of 35 persons during the incidents.
The House demanded an apology from the appropriate authority, and an assurance that justice will be delivered by applying the laws of the land upon those who perpetrated the “inhuman massacre and upon those who are responsible for the incidents”.
The Assembly appealed to the people of the Mon district, its civil societies, citizens of the state and mass organisations to cooperate with the government and its agencies in the collective efforts to demand justice and restore normalcy.
“The House appreciated and supported citizens and civil society organisations over their demand for the repeal of AFSPA and delivery of justice, while appealing to all sections to follow democratic norms and non-violence in the collective endeavour towards realisation of peace and delivery of justice,” the resolution said.
Also read: Nagaland Killings: Demands to Repeal AFSPA Continue, Including in Parliament
Noting that the Naga people have been crying for peace and an early solution to the protracted Naga political issue, the resolution said it is of paramount importance that people’s voice is heard and respected. The resolution also urged negotiators of Indo-Naga political dialogue to bring the talks to their logical conclusion for peace to prevail in the restive state.
Around 15 legislators, including chief minister Neiphiu Rio, deputy chief minister Y Patton, leader of NPF legislature party T.R. Zeliang, BJP president and minister Temjen Imma participated in the discussion.
It was for the third time in little over six years that the Nagaland Assembly passed a resolution for the repeal of the AFSPA. The previous resolution was passed on July 27, 2015.
Meanwhile, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said the state will continue to be under AFSPA and a decision on withdrawing it will be taken only if the present peace prevails for a longer term.
He expressed apprehension that the militant groups might not reciprocate the same way if the AFSPA is withdrawn from Assam.
Sarma, however, said that no state government wants to continue with AFSPA if the law and order situation is peaceful and conducive.
(With PTI inputs)