NPF slams extension of AFSPA in Nagaland, calls it 'utter disregard' for voice of NE

KOHIMA: The Naga People’s Front (NPF) has expressed shock at the Union Ministry of Home Affairs' has extension of the Disturbed Area Act, DAA in Nagaland for a further six months with effect from today in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.

The party, issuing a release, said this extension is an immediate aftermath of the December 23 meeting convened by Union Home Minister Amit Shah with Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as well as Deputy CM Y. Patton and leader of NPF Legislature T. R. Zeliang wherein the Centre instituted a committee to examine the withdrawal of the AFSPA in Nagaland.

This extension is a manifestation of the utter disregard the Central Government has for the voices of small states, particularly in North East India, considering that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly had convened a special one-day session on 20th of this month to deliberate on AFSPA and unanimously resolved to demand its repeal, said the NPF.

Adding that it is committed to the removal of DAA and AFSPA from all the Naga areas, the NPF asserted that it will not stay idle till the Centre reconsiders its decision.

The Central government extended The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 (AFSPA) in Nagaland for six more months with effect from today.

An official notification issued, the Union home ministry said, ”Whereas the Central government is of the opinion that the area comprising the whole of the State of Nagaland is in such a disturbed and dangerous condition that the use of armed forces in aid of the civil power is necessary.”

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