Nagaland Assembly adopts resolution to demand repeal of AFSPA

Kohima: The Nagaland Legislative Assembly, on Monday adopted a five point resolution in which it demanded for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) 1958 from the North East region. 

During the special assembly session which discussed the application of the Act in Nagaland, all legislators unanimously resolved that a demand to the Government of India will be made to repeal AFSPA from the region, particularly in Nagaland “so as to strengthen the ongoing efforts to find a peaceful political settlement to the Naga political issue”.

The Assembly vehemently condemned the massacre that took place in Oting-Tiru village area in Mon district on December 4 in the indiscriminate firing by 21 para Special Forces of the Indian Army in which 13 innocent people were killed, followed by killing of one innocent person by security forces at Mon town on December 5. A total of 35 people were injured during the incidents.  

The members of the legislative Assembly also called for an apology from the competent 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 Assembly also appealed to the citizens of Mon district, civil society, citizens of the state, and other mass-based organizations to extend cooperation to the government and its agencies in their collective effort to demand justice and restore normalcy in the interest of all citizens.  

It appreciated the support of the citizens and civil society organizations for demanding the repeal of AFSPA, and delivery of justice. Further, it appealed to all sections to follow democratic norms and non-violence in the collective effort towards realization of peace and the delivery of justice.  

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

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