NWU condemns
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, October 04 2023: The Naga Women's Union (NWU) has strongly opposed the extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) to the entire State of Manipur excluding 19 police stations in Imphal Valley for a period of six months from October 1 and demanded its immediate withdrawal.

In a statement issued by Asha Wungnam, president NWU Union questioned the Government of India's decision to extend the draconian law in light of the present situation in the State.

NWU categorically called the extension of AFSPA in Naga areas at this juncture as "tyrannical, intimidating and menacing" while reasoning that Nagas have only been trying to maintain peace and restore normalcy in the State.

"The domineering and autocratic behaviour can never bring any empathy", NWU said.

The Union has also argued whether the 'violence hit valley' under the 19 police stations exempted from AFSPA extension are safer than the calm Naga areas.

The disparity shown to the Nagas is unacceptable when peace and normalcy have prevailed for 26 years in Naga areas after the signing of Indo-Naga ceasefire on July 1, 1997, NWU said.

Thus, condemning the extension of AFSPA, NWU has demanded immediate withdrawal of AFSPA from Naga areas and called for restoration of hope and confidence in the peace process.

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