New Delhi : Centre has extended AFSPA, the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act entailing sweeping powers for the Armed Forces, for another six months in Nagaland. The state government and various organisations are protesting for withdrawing AFSPA in the region, however the central government is in no mood to heed that demand.
Anti-ASPA calls intensified after para military recently shot dead six mine workers mistaking them for militants. In retribution, villagers assaulted a group of soldiers that left a jawan dead. In clashes that followed and the military shot dead 8 more civilians.
On Dec 20, the Nagaland Assembly passed unanimous resolution demanding repeal of AFSPA, Nagaland has been under AFSPA for several years in Nagaland after being classified as a ‘disturbed area’. AFSPA allows army to arrest any person without warrant. Soldiers also have immunity from charges when they shoot someone dead.
