AFSPA to remain till Naga issue is resolved: Nagaland CM Rio

Kohima: Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday revealed that the state will continue to remain a ‘disturbed area’ under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) till the Naga political issue is resolved. The response was made by the chief minister on the floor of the fifth session of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) when MLA Imkong L Imchen raised concern about the extension of the ‘draconian’ law in the state.

Calling the attention of the Leader of the House, Imchen said that at a time when the Naga peace talks are processed at the highest level, the “draconian law” must be withdrawn. To this, Rio recalled how the Naga political issue which was initially “non-violent” became violent, following which the Government of India sent its armed forces into the state, bringing into existence such laws.

“Even after getting statehood, when we look at it, there was also a special power given to governor of the state. Every time, the opinion of the state to further extend Nagaland as disturbed area or not, or whether Armed Forces Special Powers Act, should further be extended or not, it’s more of a formality for the home ministry to ask the state government. Every time, it comes, we say that the situation has normalized and that it should not be extended any further—be it AFSPA or the disturbed area,” he said.