The committee would be chaired by the MHA Secretary for Northeast and include the Chief Secretary, and Director General of Police (DGP), Nagaland. Other members to be included in the committee are IGAR (N), and a representative from the CRPF.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
A committee to look into the withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Nagaland would be soon be instituted. The committee would be chaired by the Secretary-NE, MHA, and would include the Chief Secretary, and Director General of Police (DGP), Nagaland. Other members to be included in the committee are IGAR (N), and a representative from the CRPF.
This follows a meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on December 23. The meeting was called to discuss the “present scenario” in Nagaland. According to a source, the meeting also deliberated on different issues which had also led to decision to set up the committee on withdrawal of AFSPA from Nagaland.
The meeting was attended by Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, Assam Chief Minister, Himata Biswas Sarma, Nagaland Deputy Minister, Y Patton, and NPFLP leader, TR Zeliang.
The committee would be submitting its report within 45 days and recommend the withdrawal of the “Disturbed Area status” and the “AFSPA” from Nagaland.
During the meeting it was also resolved that a Court enquiry would be initiating disciplinary proceedings against the army unit and personnel, who were directly involved in the Oting massacre.
Action would also be taken immediately against the culprits on the basis of “fair enquiry” while the identified persons who have to face enquiry would be placed under suspension with immediate effect.
While mentioning that Nagaland government would provide jobs to next of the kin and the deceased, Nagaland government said that to initiate the process, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and the Superintendent of Police (SP), Mon, would carry out the necessary procedures in consultation with the concerned village councils and government jobs be given on “compassionate grounds”.
Meanwhile, in a tweet, Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief Minister, Y Patton, and leader, NPFLP, TR Zeliang, have extended gratitude to the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, for taking up the matter with utmost seriousness.
https://twitter.com/Neiphiu_Rio/status/1475017015316267012
The leaders also acknowledged the Government of India (GoI) for taking up the required steps ensuring justice while also positively responding to the “voice of the people”.
Further, the state government has also appealed to all sections to remain calm and continue to maintain healthy atmosphere.
“The democratic and peaceful nature of the civil society groups, tribal hohos and mass based organisations in our collective quest for justice and truth has been well received and has created a positive image of the Naga people to the rest of the global community”, stated in the tweet.