Nagaland Assembly passes 5 resolutions; condemns Mon massacre, demands repeal of AFSPA

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Dec. 20 (EMN): The Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) on Monday adopted a five-point resolution, including demand to serve justice to the victims of Mon killing incidents and to repeal the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA),1958 from the Northeast.

This is the third time the state assembly has passed resolution seeking withdrawal of AFSPA in Nagaland since its enforcement in 1958. The first resolution was adopted in 1971 and again in 2015.

The tenth session of the 13th NLA was summoned following the killing of 14 civilians by the Indian security forces in Mon district earlier this month, resulting in protests and mass rallies to repeal the draconian law and serve justice to the victims, among other demands.

The Leader of the House and Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, introduced a five-point resolution during the special session before it was passed on the floor of the House through a voice vote.

Five-point resolution

•The NLA vehemently condemned the massacre that took place in Oting-Tiru village area in Mon district on December 4 in which 13 innocent people were killed in the indiscriminate firing by the 21 Para Special Forces of the Indian Army, followed by killing of one more civilian by the security forces at Mon town on December 5, and injuring of 35 persons during the incidents.

•The House called for an apology from the appropriate authority, along with an assurance that justice will be delivered by applying the laws of the land upon those who perpetrated the inhuman massacre and upon those responsible for the incident.

•The House appealed to the citizens of Mon district, its civil societies, citizens of the State and mass-based organisations to extend co-operation to the government and its agencies in the collective effort for justice and to restore normalcy in the interest of all the citizens. While appreciating and supporting the citizens and civil society organisations in their demand for repealing of AFSPA and delivery of justice to the victims, the House appealed to everyone to follow democratic norms and non-violence in the collective endeavour towards realisation of peace and delivery of justice.

•The Naga people have been crying for peace and an early solution for the long-pending Naga political issue. It is of paramount importance that the people’s voice is heard and respected. The House, therefore, once again appealed to the negotiating parties of the Indo-Naga political dialogue to bring the talks to its logical conclusion by reaching a settlement that is honourable, inclusive and acceptable, at the earliest.

•The NLA unanimously resolved to demand that the government of India to repeal the AFSPA from the Northeast, and specifically from Nagaland, so as to strengthen the ongoing efforts to find a peaceful settlement to the Naga political issue.