A day after the Centre extended the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in parts of Nagaland for six months, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) affirmed its opposition to the continuation of Act in the Naga homeland and called upon the Government of India to repeal the “contentious” AFSPA and initiate a genuine process of conflict resolution that respected the rights and dignity of Naga people.
In a press release, NSF president Medovi Rhi and general secretary Chumben Khuvung asserted that the decision to prolong the application of AFSPA on the pretext of “law and order” problem was an attempt to project Nagaland state as a land of lawlessness and chaos.
NSF maintained that continuation of AFSPA in Naga homeland was not just regrettable, but an affront to the principles of democracy, justice, and human rights.
NSF stated that over the years, AFSPA has long been synonymous with grave human rights abuses, extrajudicial killings, and violations of civil liberties by armed personnel acting on behalf of the state—further exacerbating the mistrust between the civilian population and security forces. NSF said that it was a testament to the “erosion of democratic principles” when such legislation continued to be applied in a region that aspired for peace, justice, and reconciliation.
Therefore, NSF has urged upon the government to uphold the principles of justice, human rights, and the rule of law in the region. Further, NSF urged the Government of India to engage in constructive dialogue with all stakeholders to work towards a comprehensive and enduring solution to the protracted “Indo-Naga” issue.