Appeals for objective assessment of law and order situation in Nagaland
Kohima, July 1 (MExN): Following the declaration of the entire State of Nagaland as a ‘disturbed area’ for six more months under the Armed forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) 1958 on June 30, the Naga Students Federation (NSF) on Thursday termed it as ‘another attempt by the central government to keep the Naga people subjugated through militarisation…’
Denouncing the continuous attempt of the central government to paint the State as a land of lawlessness and chaos, the Federation condemned the overarching approach of the central government in extending the inhumane Act under the pretext of ‘law and order’ problem in the State.
“The world is witness to the fact that Nagaland is a beautiful state being inhabited by the peace loving citizens which is contrary to what it is made to look like by the impugned order,” a statement appended by the NSF President and General Secretary stated.
The NSF queried as to why the controversial AFSPA is in operation in a relatively peaceful State like Nagaland and not in other states with ‘even worse and appalling’ law and order records.
“The history of excesses committed by the armed forces upon the Naga people under the cover of AFSPA calls for condemnation from all quarters and all right thinking citizens of the world,” the Federation asserted.
Further, the NSF appealed the central government to objectively assess the situation and not act upon ‘biased’ reports from their various agencies.
The Federation reiterated its stand that “AFSPA is unconstitutional and has no place in a democratic state as it only encourages abuses and serious human rights violations by the armed forces acting on behalf of the state.”
It appealed the Ministry of Home Affairs for the right steps forward to be taken in order to ensure that the controversial law is repealed once and for all.
