The incident of killing two innocent kids and injuring one woman, all civilians, by armed forces at Avangkhu near Meluri was murder most foul under AFSPA. It has brought back the bitter memories of the dark periods of 1950 -70’s for Nagas.
Whatever was the circumstantial and compelling situation; killing of unarmed civilians and that too, of minors by armed forces under the cover of AFSPA could never be justified. What was most appalling was the way the AR officer defended their actions. There was not a sign of remorse or a word of regret and apology. AFSPA’s advocates cannot be said to be normal. They must be suffering from psychological aberration; a mind-bend. Psychopaths have no place in normal human society.Are condemnations by myriad of organizations enough? This is a fit case for Nagas to take to the streets. NSF’s proposed protest rally should be a good start. Justice should be delivered to the families of the deceased and to the injured. Repealing AFSPA would be the most and only fitting justice.
When innocent lives were lost, it is an issue of dire public importance. The Nagaland Legislative Assembly should consider a zero hour discussion in the ongoing monsoon session. “To aid civil power in maintenance of law and order” is unambiguously clear that the concordance of civil power was needed to declare an area, as disturbed. Law and order problem in an area or entire State is a pre-requisite for AFSPA operation. It is the civil power and not the armed forces which should certify law and order problem. Avangkhu’s incident was a clear case of usurping civil power by armed forces. The honor of the elected government should be protected by its members. DAA & AFSPA should be rejected by NLA resolution. Nagas will be with the sixty members of NLA in that.
(The opinions expressed here are personal and in no way reflect the views of the political party this writer belongs).
Dr. K. Hoshi
Phek Town
