ANSAM opposes AFSPA extension
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Imphal, October 03 2023: The All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has vehemently opposed the continuous arbitrary imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) by Government of India particularly in Naga 'homeland' .

"Extension of AFSPA to the entire State of Manipur as disturbed areas excluding 19 police stations in Imphal valley for period of another six months with effect from 1st October, 2023 on the pretext of "law and order" while we are experiencing relative peace in Naga areas unlike other parts of the State is very unfortunate and highly questionable," ANSAM said.

Expressing strong opposition to the extension of the draconian law AFSPA in Naga areas, ANSAM said that ever since the promulgation of the infamous Act, Naga people have been experiencing undeclared war where innocent Naga villagers were terrorized by the Indian Army and even woman and children were not spared.

The Naga people have been terribly affected by the brutalities unleashed by the Indian security forces with the impunity sanctioned by AFSPA.

Innocent Naga people were used as soft targets on the pretext of maintaining law and order, it said.

The act is not merely a brutalization of security forces but legitimization of violence which is draconian in nature, anti-people in spirit and a gross violation of human rights.

Such devilish law should not have any place in this modern era, ANSAM asserted.

The Nagas are peace loving people and have been maintaining peace and harmony in all Naga areas since the signing of Indo-Naga ceasefire in 1997 which paved way to signing of the Framework Agreement between the Government of India (GoI) and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) on 3rd August 2015, it said.

The blatant and continuous imposition of AFSPA in Naga areas negates the spirit of Indo-Naga peace process which is at the highest level and reflects the insincerity on the part of GoI in resolving the longest political issue in Southeast Asia, it decried.

ANSAM urged the GoI to uphold the principles of democracy, justice and human rights by repealing AFSPA, 1958 and expedite the Indo-Naga peace talks for logical conclusion in the true spirit of the Framework Agreement, recognizing the Naga flag, Constitution and integration as an inalienable right of the Nagas to usher in an enduring peace in the northeast region.

Comment