National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) for repealing AFSPA
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Shillong, November 20 2012:
The National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) today said in Shillong that recommendation for 'repeal' or 'amend' of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the North East will be part of its report to the Government of India.
Several civil societies of the region have from time to time demanded the Centre to do away with the AFSPA enforced in parts of the region.
"The views expressed by different civil societies on AFSPA would be part of our report to the Government of India," NSAB chairman Naresh Chandra told reporters in Shillong.
Asked on the recommendation that the Board will put up before the Government, Chandra said, "Even as we do not take decision.
We are making reports and hopes the Government mulls the final recommendation" .
The NSAB officials today had a one-day long meeting with the non-governmental state representatives from the different North Eastern states to discuss on the various issues concerning the region.
Giving a brief insight on the meeting here, the NSAB Chairman said, "We collected views (on AFSPA and a host of other issues).
Most people felt that it (AFSPA) should be amended, repealed or whatever...That was the general views of the civil societies here" .
Stating that there were a lot of different views that were expressed in the meeting, he said quite a few say AFSPA was "counter-productive" .
Dr Rajen Singh of Manipur University and journalist Chitra Ahanthem were part of the representatives from Manipur besides former Meghalaya Home Minister R G Lyngdoh and seven other prominent non-governmental organisation leaders from Meghalaya.
A five member from Assam was led by Dr Monirul Hussain, Dean Guwahati University, IITians, Dima Hasao Autonomous Council Chief D Thaosen and All Bodo Students Association P Boro.