Source: The Sangai Express
Kohima, August 16:
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has said his Government would continue to work for withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from his State, claiming that peace prevailed in the State.
His Government would continue to pursue withdrawal of AFSPA from Nagaland, following extension of ceasefire agreement between the Centre and NSCN (I-M), Rio said while addressing a gathering here on the occasion of Independence Day yesterday.
The DAN Government urged the Centre after a unanimous resolution by the state cabinet that the Disturbed Areas act should not be extended to Nagaland, which was one of the most peaceful states in region in recent times, Rio said.
"This (request) had been taken up at the highest level in the Union Government", Rio said adding police on its part had done well in controlling law and order situation in the state.
The Chief Minister announced that though the Disturbed Area declaration was extended by one more year, the State Government was continuing to vigorously pursue withdrawal of the notification.
The Centre last month extended provision of the Act in the State for another year despite extension of the terms of ceasefire with NSCN (I-M) for a year effective from August one.
Meanwhile, Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) today questioned the "motive of the Centre" in "agreeing" to relax AFSPA in Imphal Municipal Area on a trial basis, accusing New Delhi of maintaining "double standards by playing as favourites" (to some).