DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 27 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has condemned the recent extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in eight districts of Nagaland.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the law for another six months in Dimapur, Niuland, Chümoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, and Peren districts, as well as certain areas under 21 police stations across five other districts.
In a statement issued today, the NSF expressed its "strong resentment and vehement opposition" to what it described as a unilateral decision by the Government of India. The federation accused the government of disregarding long-standing demands by the Naga people for the repeal of what it termed a "draconian law."
"AFSPA, with its broad and sweeping powers, has been used as a tool of oppression against our people for decades," the NSF statement read. "It undermines basic human rights, perpetuates fear, and emboldens security forces to act with impunity in our homeland."
Despite the relative peace in Nagaland and the progress in the Naga political dialogue, the extension of AFSPA sends a clear signal, according to the NSF, that the Indian government is unwilling to recognize the aspirations and rights of the Naga people. The imposition of AFSPA, the federation claimed, devalues the Naga struggle for self-determination and hampers trust-building efforts with the government of India.
The NSF also criticized the lack of consultation with Naga civil society or representatives before the law's extension, questioning the sincerity of the Indian government's commitment to peace and reconciliation.
Rejecting the notion that Nagaland remains a "disturbed area," the NSF called for the immediate repeal of AFSPA from the Naga homeland. "The continued enforcement of this 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 statement added.
The NSF vowed to intensify its protests and called upon the Naga people, civil society, and well-wishers to unite against AFSPA. The federation also appealed to international human rights organizations, the United Nations, and other concerned bodies to take note of the situation in Nagaland and to act in support of the Naga people's rights.
