DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 27: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has expressed opposition to the continuation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in Naga homeland.
In a press release, the Federation stated that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs’ latest decision to extend the AFSPA was “an attempt to project Nagaland State as a land of lawlessness and chaos”.
“The continuation of AFSPA in the Naga homeland is not just regrettable; it is an affront to the principles of democracy, justice, and human rights. 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.
“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, which the Naga people have endured the ramifications of this draconian law for far too long”, it stated.
The NSF called upon the Government of India to repeal the AFSPA and to initiate a genuine
process of conflict resolution that respects the rights and dignity of the Naga people.
(Page News Service)
