DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 24 (MExN): The Nagaland State Government has written to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India (GoI) that the extension of the notification declaring Nagaland as “Disturbed Area” under the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act, 1958 is not necessary in view of the relatively peaceful situation.
A letter addressed to the Secretary (Home) MHA-GoI dated November 13, 2017 by the Special Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, SR Saravanan said the Government of Nagaland have been persistently opposed to such proposals for extension of notification declaring Nagaland as “Disturbed Area” in the past, and continues to oppose further extension of the notification in the state.
Stating that the overall situation in Nagaland is by and large peaceful when compared to other states of the country, the letter asserted that the law enforcement agencies of the state are satisfactorily dispensing its duties, while most of the underground factions are in truce with the GoI, except the NSCN (K).
The joining of six Naga National political groups in the ongoing talks on the Naga political issue, support of the civil society is a significant sign of peaceful atmosphere, the Nagaland Government letter further pointed out.
Therefore in view of the relatively peace situation, the State Government is of the view that the extension of notification declaring Nagaland as “Disturbed Area” is not necessary, the letter added.
It should be mentioned that the entire Nagaland was declared as “Disturbed Area” for six more months in July 2017 under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, which empowers security forces to conduct operations anywhere without any prior notice.
In a gazette notification, the MHA said it is of the opinion that the area comprising the whole of Nagaland is in such a “disturbed and dangerous condition” that the use of armed forces in aid of the civil power is necessary.
The AFSPA has been in force in Nagaland for several decades. It has not been withdrawn even after a framework agreement was signed on August 3, 2015 between the NSCN (IM) and the GoI.
