(From p-1)
NPF legislator Imkong L Imchen has termed the extension of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the State as a “direct signal” from the Centre to Naga people that their voice had no meaning whatsoever.
Imchen recalled that after the December 23 meeting between union home minister Amit Shah with Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio, deputy chief minister Y.Patton, NPF leader T.R. Zeliang in presence of Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, since it was agreed to work out modalities to withdraw AFSPA, he (Imchen) proposed that AFSPA should be kept in abeyance till the committee report was submitted.
However now that AFSPA is being extended contrary to the outcome of the December 23 meeting, Imchen said the Centre’s double standard has reduced the outcome of the meeting (December 23) ‘false’.
He also urged upon Nagas to raise their voices against such double standards despite the massive protest rallies against AFSPA and resolution of the NLA for repeal of AFSPA.
Imchen also lauded the support given to the demand for repeal of AFSPA in Nagaland which was described as a blot on Indian democracy by many prominent public leaders and writers from mainland India. He said the sooner AFSPA was lifted, India would be seen as a nation that respects the rights of its citizens by the world.
Monday, August 11, 2025