UNC questions selective lifting of AFSPA
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Senapati, April 03 2022:
The United Naga Council (UNC) has questioned why the Government was selective in lifting disturbed area status and chose only the "valley areas" in Manipur for the same.
In this regard, UNC questioned the rationale of not lifting AFSPA-1958 from the "hill areas" in Manipur when ceasefire agreement between Government of India and NSCN has been in place since 1997 and Suspension of Operation (SoO) with the "Kuki Chin Group" has been implemented.
"Any justification in this regard will defy logic and hence will not stand the test of time," it said and added, "It is the best time to seriously engage in dialogue and sincerely address all issues for a lasting political solution in the region" .
According to UNC, the "usual discriminatory attitude" of the State Government is again laid bare for the whole world to see.
"Though New Delhi alone has the power to make decision to effect any changes on the matter, input(s) from the State Government is crucial and hence lifting disturbed areas selectively only points to the fact that 'hill areas' will continue to be under and endure the pain and agony of chauvinistic onslaught of the security forces," UNC added.
UNC then said that New Delhi had withdrawn the Armed Forces (Special Powers )Act 1958 in parts of the three North Eastern States of Assam, Nagaland and Manipur on March 31, 2022 .
It also said that the Chief Ministers of the three States have expressed appreciation to the BJP led Government at the Centre by "profusely praising" Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The UNC then urged the Government to repeal this outdated draconian law from places wherever it is being promulgated.