Partial removal of AFSPA continues to have garnered all the attention once again. In order to understand the political sentiments of the youth, Mokokchung Times once again takes you in discovering the various opinions and views the youths held regarding the recent announcement of ‘reduced AFSPA’.
How do you see the recent partial removal of AFSPA from North East and
the complete and partial removal of AFSPA from some districts in Nagaland?
Jenato, Post graduate: The consequences of such a military rule and power AFSPA which was seen by the central government had given the exact result and causes to it. The cry of the people was never heard until the Oting village incident. When did we become so ignorant? The power of such immunity draws to one simple conclusion that is bloodshed. Time and again it has reminded us that this is not the end. What does “reducing” even mean; to play safe?
Reducing AFSPA is just a way of giving candy because a child is crying for too long. Can they remove it from districts like Mon, Zunheboto? Big boys won’t have a sound sleep. At the end of the day, it’s just a political step taken to show that there’s a government which is keen for people to outcry.
Chingmak, Graduate: As per my opinion, removal of AFSPA in other Northeast states can be attributed to political triumph in Manipur Assam etc. in recent elections. Regarding Nagaland, why ‘partial’ may be the question, but let me put my point here
* They are following due process of law.
* They can’t abrogate everything at a go just because of public pressure. They have to study the pros and cons at grass root level.
* Partial removal of the law from Nagaland shall be construed as a future political motive by the people at the center to maneuver their party to power in the upcoming election.
Chivi, Post graduate: The people of North East are pleased to learn about the partial removal of the ‘AFSPA’ which has been in place since some decades ago. While we wish to see the complete removal of AFSPA from all the Northeast states, Nagaland has been voicing out for the complete removal of the ‘AFSPA’ from the states and with the recent untoward incident in Oting Village of Mon District, which is just one incident of the many ‘Barbaric Acts’ by the Armed Forces. The people of Nagaland started to voice out more with many Civil Society Organizations (CSO) joining the protests.
I am therefore pleased to see the partial removal of AFSPA in some districts of Nagaland by the Central Government but also wish to see complete removal from all districts which have been the dream and prayer of all Nagas. The people of Nagaland like any other state or union territories have the right to live freely without the fear of losing another family member, we have shed enough blood and lost uncountable lives to this draconian Act.
Aien, Social Media Influencer: It could have been much better to have completely removed the AFSPA rather than partial removal. However, I appreciate at least GOI stood with us in understanding the needs of the NE states that lived in fear and uncertainty under the long imposed draconian law.
On the other hand, we should be careful and shouldn’t take advantage to spoil the much-needed liberty of life and a peace-loving community.
Kati Kichu, Senior Fraud Analyst, MPL: There’s no denying that the Armed Forces have violated human rights under the protection of AFSPA and the tag Disturbed Area alienates us from the rest of India. In the past 10 to 15 years there’s been a decline in insurgency-related incidents especially in our District, but for Nagaland I feel that it is not the time to revoke the ACT, not even partially.
Imtiyen Chang, Post graduate: Well, I see it as a small step to achieve something bigger. I just hope this is not some political game because the election is approaching. Keeping aside the political views, lifting AFSPA entirely at once might give room for the various groups to exercise extorting Nagas at daylight.
I have no favoritism for the present government but even they might be taking steps slowly. But if this partial lifting is because of what happened at Oting and more other incidents where various innocents were killed, then the partial removal does no justice unless those army individuals are trialed under the martial court.
Chuba : Sigh! Is it true that “Nagaland is falling under the category disturbed area?”
Most likely different insurgent groups in Nagaland are fighting for the rights of our land to the Indian Govt and as we all aware we Nagas are Indians by choice. It is unfortunate to say that we Nagas are not United rather hunting for the right of own individuals and corruption is on the highest level exactly that’s the cause why we are falling under category disturbed area. We Nagas need law and order and that should bind all people. With complete removal of AFSPA, directly or indirectly we are giving power to insurgent groups. A Free Freedom is provided where in other sense ‘we are not truly guided’.
Are we practically ready to revoke AFSPA?
“Let’s think about it again whether we are prepared or not to live without AFSPA”.
Moa Pongen : Positive and negative Arguments against AFSPA
Arguments in the favour of AFSPA
1. On the basis of power given to the armed forces they are able to protect the boundaries of the country.
2. The power given to the AFSPA boost the morale of the armed forces to ensure the rules of the law in the disturbed areas of the country.
Arguments against the AFSPA
1. AFSPA violates human rights
2. Misusing the oppressive power given to the armed forces.
3. The arms forces are conducting fake encounter, as there are many examples like the incidents happened in Nagaland Mon district last December in a botched operation by security personnel. Also sexually exploiting the women in the disturbed areas.
Critics of the AFSPA law argue that there is no need to run the state or country on the basis of bullet. As per my little knowledge and understanding I’m not in favour or against the partial or complete removal of AFSPA from any district in our State, but things should be balanced and benefit for the positive outcome in all aspects. So if AFSPA could not achieve its desired goals even after more than 60 years of its implementations, the state government of the disturbed areas along with the central government should find out an alternative law and come out with better solution for the betterment and peace in our country.
“All for the life and love of liberty”