Newmai News Network
Dimapur: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) said it “stands in staunch opposition to the continuation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in the Naga homeland.”
In a statement issued today, the NSF said the Ministry of Home Affairs’ decision to prolong the application of AFSPA, as per the notification dated September 26, 2023, on the pretext of the “Law and Order” problem, is an attempt to project Nagaland state as a land of lawlessness and chaos.
The NSF then said the continuation of AFSPA in the “Naga homeland is not just regrettable; it is an affront to the principles of democracy, justice, and human rights.”
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Over the years, according to the NSF, this legislation has long been synonymous with grave human rights abuses, extrajudicial killings, and violations of civil liberties by armed personnel acting on behalf of the state- further exacerbating the mistrust between the civilian population and the security forces. “It is a testament to the erosion of democratic principles when such legislation continues to be applied in a region that aspires to peace, justice, and reconciliation, and that the Naga people have endured the ramifications of this draconian law for far too long.”
The Naga Students’ Federation then called upon the government of India to repeal the “contentious AFSPA” and to initiate a genuine process of conflict resolution that respects the rights and dignity of the Naga people. “We implore the government of India to uphold the principles of justice, human rights, and the rule of law in the region”, it added.
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Furthermore, the apex Naga student body then urged the government of India to engage in constructive dialogue with all stakeholders on board to work towards a comprehensive and enduring solution to the protracted Indo-Naga issue while fostering an atmosphere of trust and reconciliation.
The NSF also said it “stands united with the Naga people in our quest for a just and peaceful society and we remain committed to advocating for the rights and aspirations of our people.”
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