Global Naga Forum Condemns Indian Government’s Renewal of AFSPA in Nagaland: Denounces Continued Militarization and Human Rights Violations

The Global Naga Forum (GNF) vehemently condemns the Indian government’s decision to extend the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Nagaland, further perpetuating a cycle of violence, oppression, and human rights abuses against the Naga people. This latest move by the Indian authorities underscores their blatant disregard for international human rights standards and the fundamental principles of democracy.

The renewal of AFSPA in Nagaland, which designates entire districts and police stations as “disturbed areas,” is a clear violation of indigenous peoples’ rights and a flagrant abuse of power by the Indian government. This draconian law grants sweeping powers to security forces, including the authority to shoot on sight, arrest without warrant, and conduct searches without consent, leading to widespread impunity and the targeting of innocent civilians.

The BJP government’s decision to maintain AFSPA in Nagaland is not only unjustifiable but also reprehensible in light of the ongoing peace negotiations between Naga Political Groups (NPGs) and the Indian government. Instead of facilitating an enabling environment conducive to dialogue and reconciliation, the Indian authorities continue to resort to heavy-handed tactics that only serve to exacerbate tensions and perpetuate a cycle of violence.

Furthermore, the renewal of AFSPA underscores the Indian government’s failure to address the underlying issues and root causes of conflict in Nagaland–that of the substantive content of the Indo-Naga Political Talks. Rather than addressing these underlying issues through meaningful and result-driven dialogue and, the Indian authorities have chosen to rely on rhetoric, militarization and repression, further alienating the Naga people and hindering the prospects for lasting peace and stability in the region.

The Global Naga Forum calls on the international community to condemn the Indian government’s renewal of AFSPA in Nagaland and to support the Naga people in their quest for justice, peace, and self-determination. We urge the United Nations and its member states to pressure the Indian government to repeal AFSPA and to engage in genuine dialogue with the Naga people.

Media Cell

Global Naga Forum (GNF)