NSF strongly condemned “the unilateral decision by the Government of India, which continues to disregard the long-standing demands of the Naga people to revoke this draconian law”. “AFSPA, with its broad and sweeping powers, has been used as a tool of oppression against our people for decades. It undermines basic human rights, perpetuates fear, and emboldens security forces to act with impunity in our homeland” it said.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
The Ministry of Home Affair, Government of India (GoI) has in a notification informed that the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) has been extended for a period of six month starting from October 1 in Nagaland’s eight districts, which included Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek and Peren districts.
In the official MHA notification, it stated that the central government in exercise of by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (28 of 1958) had declared the eight districts and 21 Police Stations in five other districts of the state of Nagaland as “disturbed area” for a period of six months with effect from October 1 vide Notification S.O.1564 dated 27.03.2024,” stated the notification issued by Piyush Goyal, additional secretary, MHA.
It also informed that a further review of the law and order situation in the state of Nagaland has been undertaken.
Dimapur, Niuland, Chümoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek and Peren districts in Nagaland and the areas in Nagaland falling within the jurisdiction of Khuzama, Kohima North, Kohima South, Zubza and Kezocha police stations in Kohima district, Mangkolemba, Mokokchung-I, Longtho, Tuli, Longchem and Anaki ‘C’ police stations under Mokokchung district, Yanglok police station in Longleng district, Bhandari, Champang and Ralan police stations in Wokha district, and Ghatashi, Pughoboto, Satakha, Suruhuto, Zunheboto, and Aghunato police stations in Zunheboto district, have been declared as “disturbed area” under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 for a period of six months with also effect from October 10, unless withdrawn earlier.
Meanwhile, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) expressed its strong resentment and vehement opposition to the recent extension of AFSPA in eight districts of Nagaland. In a press statement issued by its president Medovi Rhi and general secretary Chumben Khuvung, NSF said, “We strongly condemn this unilateral decision by the Government of India, which continues to disregard the long-standing demands of the Naga people to revoke this draconian law. AFSPA, with its broad and sweeping powers, has been used as a tool of oppression against our people for decades. It undermines basic human rights, perpetuates fear, and emboldens security forces to act with impunity in our homeland.”
The statement said despite the relative peace and significant progress in the Naga political dialogue, the extension of AFSPA sends a clear message that the Indian government is unwilling to recognize the aspirations and rights of the Naga people. “The arbitrary imposition of AFSPA continues to demean our struggle for self-determination and disrupt the trust-building process with the government of India,” it added.
The NSF said it firmly rejects the notion that Nagaland remains a “disturbed area” warranting the presence of such an oppressive law. “We are deeply concerned that this extension, yet again, was made without any meaningful consultation with Naga civil society or representatives. It raises grave concerns about the sincerity of the Government of India in pursuing genuine peace and reconciliation with the Naga people,” it added.
NSF reiterated its call for the immediate repeal of AFSPA from the Naga homeland. “The continued enforcement of this draconian law only exacerbates the alienation of our people from the Indian state and undermines the prospects for a peaceful and lasting solution to the Naga political issue,” it said.
NSF further said, “We will not remain silent in the face of injustice. The Naga Students’ Federation will intensify its efforts and pursue democratic means of protest, ensuring that the voices of the Naga people are heard loud and clear. We call upon all Naga people, civil society organizations, and well-wishers to stand united against this unjust law and work collectively toward its repeal.”
It also appealed to international human rights organizations, the United Nations, and other concerned bodies to take cognizance of this prolonged imposition of AFSPA in the Naga homeland, which has long been a source of untold suffering and human rights violations.
NSF demanded that the Government of India act with responsibility and accountability in resolving the Naga issue, starting with the immediate withdrawal of AFSPA from the Naga homeland.