Nagaland Cabinet Urges Centre To Repeal AFSPA In State After Civilian Killings
Mumbai: After 14 civilians were killed in an alleged ambush by security forces in Nagaland, the state Cabinet has urged the central government to withdraw the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 from the state.
According to a report in India Today, the state government will write a formal letter to the central government and give strong suggestions to withdraw AFSPA.
Under the law, the military is empowered to search, arrest and fire when deemed necessary to maintain public order in “disturbed areas” across the country, and to commit these excesses with a degree of immunity from prosecution. The state of Nagaland has been under AFSPA for almost six decades.
The decision was reportedly taken at an urgent meeting of the Nagaland cabinet.
In view of civilian casualties, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday called for a repeat of the AFSPA.
The state government has also decided to call off the Hornbill festival amid the controversy.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Monday issued notices to the Defense Secretary, Union Home Secretary and Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Nagaland, seeking a detailed report on the civilian killings in the failed military operation. , within six weeks.
Issuing the notice, the NHRC has also observed that it is up to the security forces to ensure proper precaution with a humane approach, even if it involves terrorists.
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