Our Correspondent
Kohima, March 30 (EMN): Parliamentary Secretary, Deo Nukhu, stressed on the need for revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the state of Nagaland.
Participating in the general discussion on the budget for the year 2017-18 today, Nukhu reasoned that there is no point of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) under disturbed area act to continue again and again in the State against the wishes of the people when there is a peaceful atmosphere already prevailing in the State.
Recalling the situation during the early fifties and late sixties wherein Nagas have undergone untold sufferings, Nukhu said this law was imposed in the late 1950s when the situation in the State was in a terrible condition. Stating that the situation is quiet different today, he appealed the house to raise this issue to the Government of India to revoke the AFSPA in the state of Nagaland.Asserting that AFSPA should not continue and extended anymore, Nukhu termed the act as outdated and ‘not applicable’ in today’s situation.
On the budget matters, Nukhu commented that under relevant point of the 16 Point Agreement, Government of India should keep its word towards meeting the shortfalls of the State’s expenditure for the administration of the State. He said change of the name of Planning Commission to NITI Aayog has adversely affects the State’s budget. Justifying his statement, he said ‘now we are at loss as what to do with our ongoing projects under normal plan assistant, special plan assistant and additional central assistance.’
Stating it will not be proper to abandon the ongoing projects, Nukhu suggested doing something to complete the ongoing the projects even if the $state cannot take up new ones.
