Global Naga Forum (GNF) has termed as “completely unacceptable” the decision of the Government of India (GoI) to extend the “draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act of 1958 (AFSPA)” yet again for the next six months in Naga homeland.
In a statement, GNF convenor Chuba Ozukum and secretary Prof Paul Pimomo described AFSPA as “fundamentally anti-democratic and anti-people”. The forum said that normalization of AFSPA in Naga lands through a six-monthly renewal routine for the last sixty-seven years running did not stand up to scrutiny – political, legal, or moral. “It is unconscionable and universally condemnable,” GNF stated.
The forum maintained that the ongoing ceasefire between Naga political groups and the Government of India had effectively led to a suspension of armed conflicts in the region, adding that peace has prevailed for years. “Yet, strangely, the Indian government’s response to the peaceful situation has been punitive on the Naga public,” the forum stated.
It stated that government of India, instead of building on the gains of the ceasefire for a more lasting peace by repealing the colonial-era law, as a goodwill gesture, had repeatedly imposed AFSPA in Naga areas making AFSPA “a permanent fixture” in the lives of everyday Naga civilians.
Despite the ceasefire, the forum said the armed forces continued to operate under AFSPA with complete impunity. It said AFSPA has come to represent, for the vast majority of Nagas, the Indian State’s unending repression of Naga people in their own homeland through military oppression and intimidation.
GNF questioned the government of India whether India truly cared about the legitimate aspiration and concerns of the Nagas—the long-cherished Naga desire as a people for lasting peace and a dignified future? It also asked whether the Indian government was committed to justice for the Nagas by fostering genuine dialogue to reach a negotiated peaceful settlement without AFSPA hanging over the heads and haunting Naga lands?
GNF said AFSPA extension not only undermined the spirit of the ceasefire, but also contradicted the principles of democratic governance. The forum said it was a blatant affront to the aspiration of the Naga people.
Removal of PAP: GNF also said reimposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) on foreign visitors entering Nagaland was another regressive step that must be revoked immediately.
The forum stated that PAP/RAP restrictions created unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that detered international visitors, researchers, and well-wishers from experiencing the rich cultural heritage, hospitality, and natural beauty of the Naga homeland.
The forum stated that RAP was yet another colonial-era relic that isolated the Naga people and restricted opportunities for cultural exchange, economic growth, and international awareness of the Naga struggle. “Its continuation is an impediment to tourism and investment, depriving the region of much-needed development and global engagement,” GNF said.
The forum has, therefore, urged the Government of India to lift the RAP restrictions with immediate effect. It said that allowing free access to foreign visitors would promote greater understanding and solidarity with the Naga people while fostering socio-economic development in the region.