The Centre has decided to “reduce” the disturbed areas under Armed Forces Special Powers Act (Afspa) in the states of Nagaland, Assam and Manipur. Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to his twitter account on Thursday, March 31 to announce the decision.
The Home Minister in a series of tweets announced, “In a significant step, GoI under the decisiove leadership of PM Shri @Narendra Modi Ji has decided to reduce disturbed areas under Armed Fores Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the states of Nagaland, Assam and Manipur after decades.”
He further said, “Reduction in areas under Afspa is a result of the improved security situation and fast-tracked development due to the consistent efforts and several agreements to end insurgency and bring lasting peace in Northeast by Prime Minster Narendra Modi government.”
Shah further tweeted, “our North-Eastern region which was neglected for decades is now witnessing a new era of peace, prosperity and unprecedented development.” He also congratulated the people of Northeast on this “momentous occasion.”
Taking to Twitter, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also thanked the GoI following Shah’s announcement.
“Grateful to GoI under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah for reducing disturbed areas under AFSPA in the states of Nagaland, Assam and Manipur. This is a significant development towards bringing stability, security and prosperity to the North East region,” Rio said in his tweet.
In the meantime, Nagaland Minister of Transport, Civil Aviation and Railways, P Paiwang Konyak shed more light on the districts from where AFSPA have been removed.
Konyak tweeted, “Great decision by the GoI to reduce disturbed areas under AFSPA in Nagaland under the 1st phase: Tuensang, Shamator & Tseminyu Districts fully removed. Kohima, Wokha, Longleng, Mokokchung Districts partially removed.”
Nagaland: Civil Society Remains Cautious and Disappointed on Partial Removal of AFSPA
The announcement on the reduction of Disturbed Area Act under AFSPA in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland received lukewarm reaction, laced with caution and skepticism, from the civil society and individuals indicating that the government has yet to gain people’s trust.
Talking to Mokokchung Times, Kegwayhun Tep, President of Naga Students’ Federation, said that clarification is yet to be made regarding the various jurisdictions involved with the reduction of AFSPA in Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh and hence, preferred to refrain from commenting until the said clarity is maintained.
Eastern Nagaland Students’ Federation president, Chingmak Chang informed that they are yet to conduct a formal discussion with Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization and that they are expecting to sit for a meeting at the earliest regarding the involvement of some Eastern Nagaland districts in the Union Home Minister’s announcement.
“Eastern districts such as Shamator and Tuensang are exempted from AFSPA now but I think a better consultation is needed and it will be wiseon my part to comment only after that,” he added.
Similarly, Ao Student’s Conference (AKM) President, Nukdongyanger abstained from commenting citing the need to look into the matter more deeply. President of Ao Senden, Chubawati Longchar also maintained a similar cautious stand.
Meanwhile, GB Kahuto Chishi, Convener of the Concerned People of Nagaland expressed shock and wondered how “the Government of India thinks the situation has improved in Nagaland” and why “they are considering lifting AFSPA.” “But in one way I am happy because I want the Naga people to suffer. Unless everybody suffers under this underground, we will not understand,” he reasoned.
While some expressed caution, there were others who were disappointed that AFSPA was not totally lifted. “In a real sense, there is nothing to be grateful about partial lifting of AFSPA which is an unfair law of the Stone Age. All the factions are peacefully observing and honoring the ceasefire and Nagaland is perhaps one of the most peaceful states in India in as far as the insurgency and law and order problem is concerned. It should have been lifted completely,” opined Kekhiye Sema, retired IAS officer.
“Removal of AFSPA is welcome but I don’t understand why the partial removal,” K. Therie, president of Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee posed. He questioned on what manner or in which grounds the government of India has identified the districts that deserve to be called disturbed or not disturbed. He said that all the factions are engaged in peace talks with the Government of India and questioned how they identify which district is more peaceful and which is not. He maintained that the whole of Nagaland state should be declared peaceful area and AFSPA must be removed in entirety.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson of the NNPGs said that the matter is yet to be discussed and shall make their comments available only later.