Naga studennts' body condemns AFSPA extension in Nagaland

Dimapur: The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) on Friday expressed strong resentment and vehement opposition to the extension of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in eight districts of Nagaland.

According to a notification issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday, the Act has been extended for another six months in Dimapur, Niuland, Chiimoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, and Peren districts besides certain areas within the jurisdiction of 21 police stations across five other districts with effect from October 1, 2024.

“We strongly condemn this unilateral decision by the Government of India, which continues to disregard the long-standing demands of the Naga people to revoke this draconian law,” NSF president Medovi Rhi and general secretary Chumben Khuvung said in a statement.

It said the AFSPA, with its broad and sweeping powers, has been used as a tool of oppression against “our people” for decades and that it undermines basic human rights, perpetuates fear, and emboldens security forces to act with impunity in “our homeland.”

According to the federation, despite the relative peace and significant progress in the Naga political dialogue, the extension of AFSPA sent a clear message that the Indian government is unwilling to recognize the aspirations and rights of the Naga people.

“The arbitrary imposition of AFSPA continues to demean our struggle for self-determination and disrupt the trust-building process with the government of India,” it added.

Rejecting the notion that Nagaland remains a “disturbed area” warranting the presence of such an “oppressive law”, the NSF expressed deep concern that this extension, yet again, was made without any meaningful consultation with the Naga civil society or its representatives.

It said it raised grave concerns about the sincerity of the Government of India in pursuing genuine peace and reconciliation with the Naga people.

The NSF reiterated its call for the immediate repeal of AFSPA from the Naga homeland.