People’s cries have been heard. The government of India has finally decided to reduce “disturbed areas” under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the north-eastern states of Nagaland, Assam and Manipur after several decades. This controversial law has been enforced in Nagaland since it was enacted in 1958. Sadly, it took the Oting incident to stir the hornet’s nest and for the Centre to consider repealing the law before taking this significant move. It’s long overdue considering the significant improvement of law and order situation in the state and the Northeast region as a whole over the years. Some may want it in full and some in parts. But one needs to know that this exercise will be implemented in a phased manner, which means the Centre can extend it to the remaining areas based on the security situation. In short, imposition and repealing of the law is not permanent but situational. Well, one thing that was apparent over the last few months is the political will to do away with this draconian law. For this, the Modi government deserves praise.
Such trust-building exercise is the need of the hour despite the risks involved. Whether in full or in parts, revocation of AFSPA law will come as good riddance for those who have been suffering under its shadow for decades and many families that have experienced immense misery due to fake encounters and extra-judicial killings. It’s like a light at the end of the long dark tunnel, freedom from fear, anxiety and uncertainties. The move is a result of peace initiatives by the governments and the public, as well as ceasefire with most insurgency groups in the Northeast region. It has the potential to hit two targets with a single stone – boost economic growth and give impetus to peace talks between the government of India and several insurgency groups in the region. However, people also should remember that this law can be re-imposed if the security situation deteriorates. The public has the social responsibility to maintain peace and ensure that the whole region is made AFSPA-free.
In the meantime, the Centre should seriously consider scrapping this draconian law all together and replace it with a more humane one to deal with insurgency. It doesn’t bode well for a country that takes pride in its democracy to have a law that gives impunity to the armed forces to arrest and kill people on mere suspicion. Basic human rights shouldn’t be violated, be it before or after settlement of issues with insurgency groups. Well, the ultimate goal of repealing the controversial Act also should be to resolve the protracted issues and not just to mend trust deficit.