Dimapur, July 5 (EMN): The Naga Hoho has expressed anguish over the extension of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) 1958 in Naga areas despite repeated appeals by several Naga civil societies and human rights activists.
The press statement from the hoho came a few days after the Centre government declared the entire state of Nagaland as “disturbed area” for six more months with effect from June 30.
“There is no space for such draconian laws in any civilised society in this largest democratic country. The Nagas struggle for self-determination cannot be equated with ‘Terrorism’ or ‘secessionism’ as the GOI has recognised the uniqueness of Naga political history and further recognises the universal principle that in a democracy, sovereignty lies with the people,” read the statement.
While mentioning atrocities meted out to the people in the past, the Naga Hoho said that “there is peaceful atmosphere in Naga areas as of now and therefore any policy that harms the atmosphere of trust and confidence would be so dear to all stakeholders and therefore, the AFSPA must be summarily repealed from our land”.
“We make this statement in the background that, there is an ongoing political negotiation and peace process between the Government of India and the Naga people which can be testified by the signing of various Agreements with the Naga Political Groups (NPGs),” read the statement.
The Naga Hoho also urged the government of India to make its position clear on Indo-Naga political issue.
