DIMAPUR, APRIL 1 (MExN): The Global Naga Forum (GNF) on Wednesday condemned the Government of India’s latest decision to extend the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Nagaland for another six months, calling the move "completely unacceptable" and demanding the immediate revocation of both the extension and the Protected Area Permit (PAP) requirement for foreign visitors.
In a statement signed by Convenor Chuba Ozukum and Secretary Prof. Paul Pimomo, the organization said that AFSPA, which grants sweeping powers to Indian armed forces in designated “disturbed areas,” has become a symbol of state repression in Naga territories.
“AFSPA is fundamentally anti-democratic and anti-people,” the Forum stated. “Its normalization in Naga lands through a six-monthly renewal routine for the last sixty-seven years running does not stand up to scrutiny – political, legal, or moral. It is unconscionable and universally condemnable.”
Despite decades of ceasefire agreements between the Government of India and various Naga political groups, the Forum said that AFSPA remains in place “with complete impunity from criminal prosecution,” alleging that its presence violates “Naga people’s human and civil rights including mass killings of innocent civilians.”
The group argued that the peaceful conditions created by the ceasefire have not translated into concrete progress toward a permanent political solution, but have instead seen a continued “punitive” approach from New Delhi.
“Peace has prevailed for years. Yet, strangely, the Indian government’s response to the peaceful situation has been punitive on the Naga public,” the statement read. “Instead of building on the gains of the ceasefire for a more lasting peace by repealing the colonial-era law, as a goodwill gesture, Government of India has repeatedly imposed it in Naga areas.”
The Forum questioned the Indian government’s sincerity in addressing Naga aspirations, asking, “Does India truly care about the legitimate aspiration and concerns of the Nagas – the long-cherished Naga desire as a people for lasting peace and a dignified future?”
The statement added: “Is the Indian government committed to justice for the Nagas by fostering genuine dialogue to reach a negotiated peaceful settlement without AFSPA hanging over the heads and haunting our lands?”
It also criticized the recent reimposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) system, which requires foreign nationals to obtain special permits to enter Nagaland and certain other northeastern states.
Calling it “another regressive step that must be revoked immediately,” the Forum argued that the PAP and the associated Restricted Area Permit (RAP) rules are outdated colonial-era policies that “create unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles” and isolate the region.
“PAP/RAP restrictions create unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that deter international visitors, researchers, and well-wishers from experiencing the rich cultural heritage, hospitality, and natural beauty of the Naga homeland,” the statement said.
“The RAP is yet another colonial-era relic that isolates the Naga people and restricts opportunities for cultural exchange, economic growth, and international awareness of the Naga struggle,” it continued. “Its continuation is an impediment to tourism and investment, depriving the region of much-needed development and global engagement.”
It urged the central government to “exhibit political maturity” and address what it called the “genuine concerns” of the Naga people.
“The Naga people cannot be subjected to perpetual militarization in our lands and isolation from the rest of the world,” the GNF said. “We call upon the Government of India to exhibit political maturity by addressing these genuine concerns and fostering an environment of peace, dignity, and growth, starting with the immediate revocation of the extension of AFSPA in Nagaland and removal of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) to facilitate international engagement and development,” it added.
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