NWU opposes extension of AFSPA
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, October 05 2023: Naga Women's Union (NWU) has strongly opposed the six-month extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) to the whole state of Manipur, excluding in areas covered by 19 police stations in the Imphal Valley, beginning October 1, 2023 .

In a release signed by its president Asha Wungnam, the NWU stated that the decision of Government of India to extent the draconian law based on the present situation in Manipur is highly questionable.

The Nagas have been trying their best to maintain peace and restore normalcy in spite of the turmoil and not even a single voice is raised other than continuous pleas for restoring peace in the state.

However, prolonging imposition of AFSPA in Naga areas at the juncture is tyrannical, intimidating and menacing.

The domineering and autocratic behaviours can never bring any empathy nor hush a community, it said.

The NWU then wondered whether the violence-hit valley, under 19 police stations in Imphal, which is exempted is safer than the calm Naga areas.

The disparity shown to the Naga is unacceptable when peace and normalcy have prevailed for 26 years in Naga areas after the signing of Indo-Na-ga Ceasefire on July 1, 1997.Nagas have had a tearful life since imposition of AFSPA in the state, and the people have longed for the day when the Government of India will wipe away the tears of terror and hug the people with affection.

The women's community is concerned that it has been 66 years since AFSPA was enacted, and that additional extension could bring trepidation, it continued.

The union while condemning the extension of the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA), 1958, demanded immediate withdrawal of the act from the Naga homeland to restore hope and confidence in the peace process.

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