Minister of Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and Cooperation, Jacob Zhimomi, on Monday said that the GOI must have its reasons for extending the AFSPA for another six months
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DIMAPUR — Minister of Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and Cooperation, Jacob Zhimomi, on Monday said that the government of India must have its reasons for extending the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for another six months, though the overall situation in the state is peaceful.
Speaking to journalists on the sideline of two-wheeler rally flagging off programme organised by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Nagaland as part of the ongoing Seva Sankalp Abhiyan in Chümoukedima, Zhimomi said that the centre must have decided to extent the AFSPA in the interest of national security, as national integrity and security are the top priorities of any sovereign nation.
The minister made the statement, a day after the Centre extended the controversial law in nine districts of Nagaland and in areas falling under 27 police stations across five other districts.
On the recent demand made by BJP Nagaland Karyakartas to contest in all 60 seats in the next Assembly election, Zhimomi said the matter was purely an ‘organisational issue’ and that it would be decided by the party. He declined to comment further.
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When asked if the Naga people could still march forward in unity despite the formation of various political groups, NGOs and civil society organisations, each with its own agenda, he replied that it is possible, while stressing the need to draw upon the best minds to take the state forward.
He said differences of opinion were an essential part of a democratic system, including within civil society organisations, and that it could help shape better decisions.
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The younger generation has greater exposure and diverse experiences, including from outside the country, and therefore has different perspectives to contribute, he said, adding that their views should also be considered alongside the wisdom and decisions of elders and the state government.
However, he opined that people should refrain from commenting on subjects unless they have sufficient knowledge of the matter, adding that the government would always take decision for the welfare of the people.
Regarding a 50-50 resource-sharing arrangement for oil and natural gas exploration in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) between Assam and Nagaland, as per the tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in June this year, the minister said that decisions and discussions will have to take place with the Naga people first. He went on to state that if it's in the interest of the Naga people, the best minds should prevail.
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