Senapati: The Naga Women’s Union (NWU) has condemned the human rights violations affecting the peaceful existence of innocent people, especially women, children, and the elderly, due to the implementation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in Naga-inhabited areas.
In a press release issued by the Information & Publicity Wing of the union, the NWU stated that AFSPA was enacted to suppress disorder in heavily disturbed areas when normal means fail. However, imposing AFSPA in Naga areas is inappropriate at this juncture, the release noted.
The population living in international boundary areas like Kamjong, Tengnoupal, Chandel, and other vulnerable Naga-inhabited regions, particularly less populated Naga areas, are facing untold suffering. Despite being a non-interference group in the ongoing conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities, they suffer due to the presence of AFSPA. Article 21 of the Indian Constitution includes the right to live in peace, sleep in peace, and repose in good health. Villages along the international boundaries have been deprived of these rights for many months, the statement added.
Under the pretext of conflict, security personnel have been deployed in non-conflict zones more than necessary, leading to the construction of numerous undesignated check posts and makeshift posts near and between villages. This has caused inconvenience, mental harassment, and disturbances due to frequent checking and frisking at inappropriate times. People face difficulties even when transporting commodities for their own consumption.
The day-and-night movement of Assam Rifles and other security forces has deterred economic activities and created fear and insecurity in bordering villages. The disruption of primary cultivation and small-scale business activities, which are the main means of livelihood in the region, has severely impacted the local population, the release mentioned.
The UN Peacekeeping principles of consent of the parties, impartiality, and non-use of force except in self-defense have been violated. The construction of multiple check posts near and between villages without the consent of village chiefs and chairmen has caused tension among village leaders. The movement of vehicles carrying foodstuffs and livelihood-related economic activities is often disrupted at will, contradicting the principles of impartiality.
The NWU clarified that they are not against the normal deployment and duties of the armed forces, nor is it an attempt to defame military institutions. However, Assam Rifles personnel deployed in Naga areas should adhere to military ethics and professional codes of conduct in their operations. The NWU appealed for security personnel to conform to laws while discharging their duties.
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The union emphasized that no military institution can misuse AFSPA, as indicated by the laws. Article 246 of the Constitution’s Seventh Schedule provides for the use of armed forces in aid of civil power, and no prosecution shall be instituted without the Central Government’s sanction against any person acting beyond the powers conferred by AFSPA. The excessive movements and duties imposed on civilian areas and the setting up of multiple checkpoints by Assam Rifles are against human rights, the NWU alleged.
The main focus of military forces should not be on civilian lives and areas without conflict. Instead, they should address national and international issues, such as unprecedented population influx from neighboring countries, drug smuggling, and arms trafficking, which pose threats not only to Manipur and North Eastern states but to the entire nation. Military personnel should prioritize public safety without bias and prejudice and ensure accurate data and reports from international boundaries are provided to concerned authorities at national and international levels.
The NWU reminded the government and military institutions not to confuse the Naga political movement with public life, as Naga political affairs are separate from the lives of innocent citizens. The NWU aspires for a political solution to the Naga issue through political agreements.
In view of these points, the NWU fervently requests the immediate repeal of AFSPA from Naga-inhabited areas.
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