AFSPA alienates people of NE States: Kim Gangte
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 15 2021:
Former MP and human right activist Kim Gangte has categorically stated that the Armed Forces Special Powers' Act, 1958 has alienated the people of the North East from the rest of the country.
Kim Gangte was addressing media persons on the much debated Act at her residence at Langol when she made the statement.
She said that AFSPA, 1958 which is enforced in the North East States is not able to suppress insurgency in the region.
She also questioned why such an Act, which has become obsolete over time and challenges human rights and democracy, is effective even today.
People of the North East have been at the receiving end and are facing innumerable cases of human right violations including massacre, rape, molestation and other excessive and intolerable activities as security personnel enjoy impunity under AFSPA, she claimed.
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The recent incident of killing innocent civilians at Oting in Mon district of Nagaland by the Army is very shocking and unfortunate, she said while expressing regret that the Act has turned out to be a protective shield for the armed security forces only.
If the Act is meant for armed forces only, it is high time for all to think which Act will protect and safeguard human rights and properties of the North East people since the same is not enforced in naxalite hit regions of India, she said.
Opining that socio-economic and political approaches are the keys to solve the issues plaguing the regions, the activist reminded that it will be wrong for the Government of India to consider such an Act will help settle the issues of North East India.
Instead, let the armed forces discharge their duties in securing boundaries, safeguarding lives and properties, she said.
Kim Gangte also expressed concern over the constant discussions on insurgency problems in the North East and Jammu and Kashmir on National TV Channels which are often misleading and deviates from reality.
CM Biren, who was once a journalist and took a huge role in safeguarding human rights, should take a proactive role in removing the Act at the earliest, she continued.