Mokokchung, May 23 (MExN): The Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) today reiterated its strong stand against the extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 Act (AFSPA) and declared “non-cooperation with the Armed Forces operating under the provision of AFSPA. ”
This is in compliance with directives issued by the Naga Students’ Federation, stated a press release from AKM President Lanutoshi Aier and General Secretary Satemmongba.
As per the conference, the continued enforcement of the AFSPA has severely impacted the lives of Naga people, infringing upon their fundamental rights and freedom.
“The draconian nature of this law has often led to human rights violation and has created an atmosphere of fear and distrust within our communities,” the apex student body of Ao community asserted/
To this end, the AKM urged the Government of India to repeal the AFSPA in Nagaland without any further delay.
It is imperative that the government honours the rights and freedoms of all citizens and restores a sense of normalcy and security in the region, it said.
As per the conference, incidents such as the unfortunate Oting incident in Mon District (December 2021) underscore the urgent need for the “repeal of the oppressive law.”
It is crucial for the authorities to address these issues swiftly to ensure the protection and well-being of the people of Nagaland, it added.
The AFSPA was extended the Union Ministry of Home Affairs “period of six months with effect from April 1, 2024” on March 27 and eight districts Dimapur, Niuland, Chümoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek and Peren were declared as ‘disturbed area’ under Section 3 of the Act.
Further, jurisdiction of 21 station police stations in five other districts of Nagaland were declared as ‘disturbed area’ including six in Mokokchung districts -Mangkolemba, Mokokchung-I, Longtho, Tuli, Longchem and Anaki ‘C’.
Accordingly, the AFSPA is currently fully or partly in operation in 13 out of 16 districts in Nagaland. Only Tuensang, Shamator and Tseminyu districts are completely out of purview of the AFSPA.
Earlier this month, the Angami Students’ Union, Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) and Lotha Students’ Union had made similar decision.
