http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...-six-months/story-o8cft8XctxCLzdyZYSQebJ.html
Updated: Jan 03, 2017 14:34 IST
The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) has been extended for another six months in Nagaland.
“The Union home ministry, in a notification on December 30, extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958, in the entire area of Nagaland for another six months,” a Nagaland home department official said.
The notification issued by the home ministry’s joint secretary Satyendra Garg said the Centre was of the opinion that the area comprising the state of Nagaland was in such a “disturbed and dangerous condition that the use of armed forces in aid of the civil power is necessary”.
Rights groups, various civil societies and political parties, especially the tribal-based parties in Northeastern states, described the law as “draconian” and have been demanding its withdrawal as the act gave huge powers to the army and para-military forces to conduct operations anywhere in the disturbed areas without any prior notice.
The AFSPA is also in force in Manipur (excluding the Imphal municipal council area), some parts of Assam and in several districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
Manipur’s Irom Sharmila Chanu was on hunger strike since 2000 demanding the repeal of the Act but withdrew the strike in August, 2016.
The Left-ruled Tripura in May, 2015 withdrew the AFSPA which gave sweeping powers and judicial immunity to security forces in conflict-hit areas. The law was enforced in the state 19 years ago to curb terrorism.
The central government, various political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress hailed the Tripura government’s decision.
The Centre and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) had entered into a ceasefire agreement in August, 1997.
Around 60 rounds of talks were held to end the insurgency that was said to have claimed 25,000 lives since 1947.
The central government had also appointed interlocutor RN Ravi to continue the peace process with the NSCN (IM). The NSCN (IM) has been fighting for an independent Nagaland for over six decades. But since the peace talks began, it has scaled down the demand to a “Greater Nagaland”, including parts of three neighbouring states to unite areas inhabited by around 1.5 million Nagas.
Three Northeastern states -- Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh -- have opposed the demand.
The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh calling on the Governor of Manipur, Dr. Najma Heptulla, in New Delhi on January 03, 2017.
Ministry for Development of North-East Region
03-January, 2017 16:32 IST
Dr Jitendra Singh discusses Manipur situation with state Governor Dr Najma Heptulla
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh called on the Governor of Manipur, Dr. Najma Heptulla, here today and discussed the prevailing situation in the State.
Dr. Jitendra Singh brought to the notice of the Governor that during the last few weeks, there have been a series of representations from different sections of Northeastern society, expressing their concern and at the same time, also offering inputs and suggestions. He said, he has been, from time to time, placing these inputs before the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the concerned agencies. The Central Government is not only keeping a close watch on the recent developments in the State but is also constantly offering all kinds of possible cooperation and assistance to the State Government, he added.
Dr. Najma Heptulla shared her observations and experiences about the recent developments in the State. Dr. Najma Heptulla said she has been personally interacting with different sections and groups, both from political as well as social spectrum, in a sincere bid to ensure peace and amity in the region.
Dr. Najma Heptulla also gave a brief resume of the discussions held by her with different members of the State Government including the Chief Minister and her assessment of the situation as it prevails today. She also shared the written chronological record of various meetings held by her and the deputations received by her during the last two to three months.
Dr. Jitendra Singh assured the Governor that he would continue to keep in regular touch with her and seek her inputs. At the same time, he said, he will also convey the Governor’s observations to all the concerned in the Union Government.
***