NSF condemns extension of AFSPA in Nagaland, calls for immediate repeal
The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has expressed strong resentment and opposition to the recent extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA), in eight districts of Nagaland. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), AFSPA has been extended for another six months in Dimapur, Niuland, Chümoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, and Peren districts. Additionally, the extension applies to certain areas under the jurisdiction of 21 police stations across five other districts.
In a statement, NSF condemned the unilateral decision by the Government of India, stating that it continues to disregard the long-standing demands of the Naga people to revoke the draconian law.
“AFSPA, with its broad and sweeping powers, has been used as a tool of oppression against our people for decades. It undermines basic human rights, perpetuates fear, and emboldens security forces to act with impunity in our homeland,” stated the NSF.
According to the NSF, despite the relative peace and significant progress in the Naga political dialogue, the extension of AFSPA sends a clear message that the Indian government is unwilling to recognize the aspirations and rights of the Naga people.
NSF stated, “The arbitrary imposition of AFSPA continues to demean our struggle for self-determination and disrupt the trust-building process with the government of India.”
The Federation firmly rejected the notion that Nagaland remains a “disturbed area” warranting the presence of such an oppressive law.
“We are deeply concerned that this extension, yet again, was made without any meaningful consultation with Naga civil society or representatives,” NSF said, questioning the government’s commitment to peace and reconciliation in the region.
The NSF reiterated its demand for the immediate repeal of AFSPA, warning that the law’s enforcement only further alienates the Naga people from the Indian state. “The continued enforcement of this draconian law only exacerbates the alienation of our people from the Indian state and undermines the prospects for a peaceful and lasting solution to the Naga political issue,” the Federation stressed.
The NSF vowed to intensify its protests against the extension and called upon Naga civil society and well-wishers to unite in the fight against the law. “We will not remain silent in the face of injustice. The Naga Students’ Federation will intensify its efforts and pursue democratic means of protest, ensuring that the voices of the Naga people are heard loud and clear,” the statement affirmed.
Additionally, the Federation appealed to international human rights organizations and the United Nations to take note of the continued imposition of AFSPA in Nagaland, which it described as a source of “untold suffering and human rights violations.”