Says will have to confirm whether it is ‘legally permissible’
Morung Express News
Kohima | January 12
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said that the Government will have to see whether it is legally permissible to make the report submitted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on the Mon killings public.
The SIT has already submitted its preliminary report to the Nagaland government. Speaking on the sidelines of an event today, the Nagaland CM said that the team will submit its final report once it gets inputs from the Central Forensics Science Laboratory (CFSL).
With regard to the demand for making the report public, the CM said “We have to explain to them that there is some norm. The Army side is also submitting their report very soon. So I have to ask whether legally it is permissible or not. I will have to confirm.”
On the status of the investigation, he stated “everything is completed. We are only waiting for the forensic lab report.”
Regarding the demand for suspension of the personnel involved in the Mon killings and compensation for those killed and injured, the CM informed that he has communicated the same to the Union Home Ministry. “I am awaiting their decision,” he added.
The CM meanwhile stated that the demand of the public with regard to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is “very clear.”
“Even the State Cabinet took a decision for repealing AFSPA and we also passed the assembly resolution for repealing of AFSPA. That decision stands. What discussions we had with the Union Home Minister was (that) it affects the whole country,” the CM stated.
“It is a parliamentary act,” the CM said while recognizing that “repealing will be a long process in the Parliament.” Adding that a committee has been set up to study its repeal from Nagaland, the CM said “meanwhile there will be no army operation during this period.”
The CM stated that according to the recommendations of the committee, removal of AFSPA from the areas which will be identified will take place.
When asked about the demand for creation of Shamator district, the CM informed that a consultation is scheduled to take place on January 13. He reiterated the decision of the State Cabinet to engage a third party.
“That is the decision of the cabinet. But in some corner, before you assign the third party, we need to have one more consultation. That’s how that consultation will take place tomorrow. Let us see how things will be. But the ball is in their court. Cabinet decision is very clear,” he said.
