Dissent over partial repeal of AFSPA
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: April 07, 2022 -

BE it fastidious decision or tactical move from the political perspective, it's not surprising that the recent withdrawal of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, AFSPA in short, from areas under the jurisdiction of nine police stations of the state by the BjP-led coalition government has been generating mixed reactions from various sections of the society.

For the Congress and other opposition parties, continuation of the pro-military Act in the hill districts is being interpreted as selective policy with the argument that almost all the armed outfits which used to be active in the hill areas are currently holding peace parleys as signatories to either ceasefire or suspension of operation pacts.

With major attacks carried out by outlawed organisations on security forces mainly occurring in the remote hill areas, it is obvious that the government wouldn't take any impulsive or populist decisions, as it is fully aware about intention and capacity of those insurgent groups, which are unimpressed with the establishment's repetitive calls to shun the path of violence, to target the security forces.

In the valley pockets, unlawful activities in the past few years are mainly limited to planting explosive devices at private residences and institutions for unspecified reasons, but which do not have any connections with the insurgency movement.

With shoot-outs and abductions for ransom or settling personal score no more the order of the day as it used to be some years back, the incumbent government must be convinced that the state's forces are in control of the situation and therefore could forego the AFSPA.

However, it's a different tale in the hills where clashes between security forces and insurgent activists not bound by peace deals take place occasionally.

There were even frequent instances of local populace confronting the security forces as and when individuals possessing unauthorised arms or found indulging in unlawful activities are apprehended.

Such unwanted incidents naturally compel the government to perceive that time is still not right to repeal the disturbed area status from the hill districts of the state.

The situation is no different in neighbouring Nagaland, where gunfights have ceased as almost all the Naga insurgent groups are holding talks to find an amicable solution to one of the world's oldest insurgency problems.

With exception of the December 2021 incident in Mon district, guns have fallen silent in Nagaland consequently emboldening the Naga people to censure all forms of insurgency-related violence and ridicule those groups reluctant to join the peace process.

With government authorities fully aware that total repeal of the AFSPA is not possible unless peace could be fully restored, which will happen only when all the active insurgent groups come to the negotiating table, there is remote possibility of both governments of Manipur and Nagaland lifting the Act, regardless of the pressure from political rivals, alliance partners and civil societies.

To be specific, the Act may be done away with if law and order could be effectively maintained during the crucial period of partial withdrawal of the disturbed area status.

Nevertheless, in case there is no major insurgency-related incident, the government shouldn't fret over area-wise repeal of the Act.