ANSAM terms AFSPA extension in Naga areas ‘highly questionable’

DIMAPUR — The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has opposed the ‘continuous arbitrary imposition’ of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) by the Government of India (GoI), particularly in Naga homeland.

In a press note, ANSAM termed it unfortunate and highly questionable that AFSPA has been extended to the entire state of Manipur, excluding 19 police stations in Imphal valley, for a period of another six months with effect from October 1 on the pretext of ‘law and order’ while people are experiencing relative peace in Naga areas unlike other parts of the state.

The association, while opposing the extension of the AFSPA in the Naga homeland, maintained that ever since the promulgation of the said infamous act, Naga people have been experiencing undeclared war.

It said that the Nagas have been terribly affected by the brutalities unleased by the Indian security forces with the impunity power sanctioned by the act.

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“The act is not merely a brutalisation of security forces but legitimisation of violence which is draconian in nature, anti-people in spirit and a gross violation of human rights. Such devilish law should not have any place in this modern era,” the note read.

It further said that the imposition of AFSPA in Naga homeland negates the spirit of the Indo-Naga peace process, which is at the highest level, and reflects the insincerity on the part of GoI.

The association implored the GoI to uphold the principles of democracy, justice, and human rights by repealing AFSPA and expediting the Indo-Naga peace talks for a logical conclusion in the true spirit of the Framework Agreement, recognising the Naga flag, constitution, and integration to usher in an enduring peace in the Northeast.

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