The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has expressed strong resentment and opposition to the recent extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958 in eight districts of the state, as notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
As per the MHA notification, AFSPA has been extended for another six months in Dimapur, Niuland, Chümoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, and Peren districts, and in certain areas under the jurisdiction of 21 police stations across five other districts.
Strongly condemning this unilateral decision of the central government, which continued to disregard the long-standing demands of the Naga people to revoke this draconian law, NSF president Medovi Rhi and general secretary Chumben Khuvung in a press release alleged that the AFSPA, with its broad and sweeping powers, had been used as a tool of oppression against the people for decades.
They maintained that it undermined basic human rights, perpetuated fear, and emboldened security forces to act with impunity in Naga homeland.
Despite the relative peace and significant progress in the Naga political dialogue, they said the extension of AFSPA had sent a clear message that the Indian government was unwilling to recognise the aspirations and rights of Naga people.
They mentioned that the arbitrary imposition of AFSPA continued to demean the struggle for self-determination and disrupted the trust-building process with the Government of India. Firmly rejecting the notion that Nagaland remained a “disturbed area”, warranting the presence of such an oppressive law, the duo stated that they were deeply concerned that this extension yet again was made without any meaningful consultation with Naga civil society or representatives.
They pointed out that it raised grave concerns about the sincerity of the central government in pursuing genuine peace and reconciliation with Naga people.
Reiterating the call for immediate repeal of AFSPA from Naga homeland, the NSF leaders said the continued enforcement of this draconian law only exacerbated the alienation of the people from the Indian state and undermined the prospects for a peaceful and lasting solution to the Naga political issue.
They declared that they would not remain silent in the face of injustice, adding that the student body would intensify efforts and pursue democratic means of protest, ensuring that the voice of Naga people were heard loud and clear.
They called upon all Naga people, civil society organisations, and well-wishers to stand united against this unjust law and work collectively toward its repeal.
They also appealed international human rights organisations, the United Nations, and other bodies concerned to take cognizance of this prolonged imposition of AFSPA in Naga homeland, which had long been a source of untold suffering and human rights violations.
They demanded that the central government should act with responsibility and accountability in resolving the Naga issue, starting with the immediate withdrawal of AFSPA from Naga homeland.