Naga Mothers’ Association protests extension of AFSPA in Nagaland

Dimapur, July 2 (EMN): The Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) has expressed concern over the extension of the controversial Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) in the state of Nagaland and the manner in which the state is allowing it without any protest.

It came a day after the Central government declared the entire state of Nagaland as a “disturbed area” for six more months with effect from June 30, stating that the use of armed forces in aid of the civil power is necessary for the state.

In a letter addressed to the chief minister of Nagaland, the NMA questioned the move that came at a “critical period when there is no armed confrontation and all NPGs (Naga political groups) and the people are patiently awaiting the Naga Accord to be signed”.

“The Government of India seems insensitive to the sufferings and trauma this inhuman draconian law has brought over the decades to the Naga populace, including our women and children who have been victims of countless army atrocities and so many precious lives lost due to militarisation and fake encounters,” read the letter.

Maintaining that justice hasn’t been served yet for the pending human rights violation cases, the association said the elected leaders and representatives of the people in the state, where women constitute almost half of the population, are expected to be “equally sensitive to our history of suffering under this dreaded Act and ensure that the AFSPA is lifted and not extended again and again”.

“Cases of extortion and other disturbances are under the purview of the State police and should not be the reason for citing such an extension,” it wrote.

The NMA appealed to the government to boldly speak for the people and move to repeal the AFSPA at the earliest in order to usher in true peace.

It may be mentioned the AFSPA has been in force in Nagaland since attaining its statehood in 1963 and was last extended for six more months on December 30, 2020.