Global Naga Forum condemns AFSPA extension in Nagaland

DIMAPUR — The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has condemned the decision of the Indian government to extend the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in eight districts and 21 police stations in five other districts of Nagaland for another six months, with effect from April 1, further perpetuating a cycle of violence and oppression against the Naga people.

Terming the renewal of AFSPA as “continued militarization and human rights violations”, it said the move underscores the Indian government’s “blatant disregard for international human rights standards and the fundamental principles of democracy”.

Reminding that the “draconian law grants sweeping powers to security forces, including the authority to shoot on sight, arrest without warrant, and conduct searches without consent, leading to widespread impunity and the targeting of innocent civilians”, the GNF said its renewal in Nagaland is a clear violation of indigenous peoples’ rights and a flagrant abuse of power by the Indian government.

It said the move is unjustifiable and reprehensible in light of the ongoing peace negotiations between Naga political groups (NPGs) and the Indian government.

“Furthermore, the renewal of AFSPA underscores the Indian government’s failure to address the underlying issues and root causes of conflict in Nagaland — that of the substantive content of the Indo-Naga political talks,” it said, adding that the Indian authorities have chosen to rely on rhetoric, militarization and repression, thus hindering the prospects for lasting peace in the region.

The GNF went on to call on the international community to condemn the renewal of AFSPA in Nagaland and to support the Naga people in their quest for justice, peace, and self-determination.

“We urge the United Nations and its member states to pressure the Indian government to repeal AFSPA and to engage in genuine dialogue with the Naga people,” read its press release.