AFSPA has far-reaching consequences; more than what is read or known. It is often used as immunity for the armed forces to unquestionably terrorise the citizens, said MP Dr Lorho S Pfoze
TFM Desk
Member of Parliament from Manipur Dr Lorho S Pfoze has joined chorus for repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 (AFSPA).
In his message of condolence, condemnation, and appeal, the Naga Peoples Front MP representing Outer Manipur (ST) constituency said, “On the eventful days of December 4-5, 2021, while the entire State of Nagaland celebrates the nation’s famous and joyous Hornbill Festival, terror strikes at Oting, a village in the district of Mon, Nagaland in which 21 Para Special Forces killed at least 14 innocent civilians.”
“All this was operated in the name of “Special Powers” as granted to the armed forces by AFSPA. Life is most precious and sacred, and when 14 innocent lives were slaughtered as a result of “mistaken identity” by the armed forces, the grief is unmeasurable,” he said.
Stating that the incident has taken the nation by storm, the MP, however, said the truth is, in the name of AFSPA, many more atrocities have gone unnoticed, unreported, or falsely portrayed in the states of Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh wherein AFSPA is operational. “AFSPA has far-reaching consequences; more than what is read or known. It is often used as immunity for the armed forces to unquestionably terrorise the citizens,” he said
Maintaining that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 (AFSPA) has pulled the image of Indian democracy to its lowest ebbs, Dr Lorho S Pfoze has appealed to the Government of India that “AFSPA should be done away with and the draconian Jaw repealed immediately.”
He also stated that in no uncertain terms, he condemned the murder and unleash of terror at Oting and appeal that justice be served. “I stand in solidarity with my people, the Konyak community in particular, during these difficult times. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and share your pain and loss,” he said.