• Denounces continued militarization, human rights violations
• Urges UN to pressure Indian government to repeal AFSPA
KOHIMA, MARCH 30 (MExN): The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has condemned the Indian government's decision to extend the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Nagaland.
“Further perpetuating a cycle of violence, oppression, and human rights abuses against the Naga people, this latest move by the Indian authorities underscores their blatant disregard for international human rights standards and the fundamental principles of democracy, a press statement issued by the GNF on Saturday stated.
It stated that the renewal of AFSPA in Nagaland, which designates entire districts and police stations as "disturbed areas," is a clear violation of indigenous peoples' rights and a flagrant abuse of power by the Indian government.
The GNF said the BJP government's decision to maintain AFSPA in Nagaland is not only unjustifiable but also reprehensible in light of the ongoing peace negotiations between Naga Political Groups (NPGs) and the Indian government. “Instead of facilitating an enabling environment conducive to dialogue and reconciliation, the Indian authorities continue to resort to heavy-handed tactics that only serve to exacerbate tensions and perpetuate a cycle of violence,” it alleged.
Furthermore, the renewal of AFSPA underscores the Indian government's failure to address the underlying issues and root causes of conflict in Nagaland–that of the substantive content of the Indo-Naga political talks. Rather than addressing these underlying issues through meaningful and result-driven dialogue and, the Indian authorities have chosen to rely on rhetoric, militarization and repression, further alienating the Naga people and hindering the prospects for lasting peace and stability in the region, it said.
The GNF has called on the international community to condemn the Indian government's renewal of AFSPA in Nagaland and to support the Naga people in their quest for justice, peace, and self-determination. It urged the United Nations and its member states to pressure the Indian government to repeal AFSPA and to engage in genuine dialogue with the Naga people.
