Repeal AFSPA from Naga areas : NWU
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, August 05 2024: The Naga Women's Union has called for withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 from Naga inhabited areas.

The Naga areas in Manipur are relatively peaceful, and as such, AFSPA should not be imposed, it said in a statement.

The Naga people living in the international border areas of Kamjong, Tengnoupal, Chandel and other areas are facing untold miseries amid the current unrest in Manipur, it said.

On the pretext of conflict, a large number of security forces, more than its requirement, have been deployed in the regions with multiple checkposts hindering daily activities of the people.

The presence of maximum security forces in peaceful places serves no purpose.

The frequent frisking and checking at multiple checkpoints have not only inconvenienced the people, but has mentally harassed them, said the Naga Women's Union.

Further, it said, the movement of security forces, Assam Rifles day and night has affected economic activities and created fear and insecurity in the bordering villages.

"The village folks going to the field and coming back at a given stipulated time is deadly against human rights.

The main occupation of the people of the region is primarily cultivation and small scale businesses.

Such disruption has badly affected the people," it said.

The right to live in peace, and in good health have been violated by the AFSPA and security forces' activities in the Naga areas, it added.

The women union further elaborated that the multi check posts were installed without the consent of the local villages.

While the villages have asked the security forces to remove the checkposts repeatedly, the structures have not been removed.

This has caused tension in the villages, it said.

The Naga Women's Union is not against normal deployment of security forces and their duties.

The union is not against all military institutions, but the Assam Rifles who have been deployed in Naga areas must follow their military ethics and code of professionalism with integrity, it said.

The presence of maximum security forces in peaceful areas where there is no conflict serves no purpose.

They should instead focus on National and international problems that need their attention and action like the problems of unprecedented population influx from neighbouring countries, smuggling of drugs, arms and ammunition of which are the menaces for not only Manipur and North Eastern States but for the whole Nation, said the union.

The Naga political movement and public life should not be confused by the Government and its military institutions.

Naga politics and public life are not related.

The Naga political solution should come through political agreement, it added.

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