Pressure groups continue to oppose AFSPA in Garo Hills

FROM OUR REPORTER

SHILLONG, Nov 15: The Khasi Students ‘ Union (KSU) today reiterate their strong opposition against the implementation of the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA), in Garo Hills region of the state.

KSU in a statement here said that the draconian law is not the solution to the problems that are prevailing in Garo hills region it will compound the problems in the area.  

“This particular act has led to several cases of human rights violation by the armed forces, which has been experienced in the North Eastern states, where this act has been implemented,” added the KSU.  The union stated that they will continue to oppose vehemently, any proposal for the implementation of the AFSPA, in the Garo Hills region and the state as a whole.

Meanwhile, the North East Indigenous People Federation (NEIPF) has also expressed their strong opposition towards the implementation of the Act in Garo Hills region.

The Chairman of NEIPF M Biam said, “If the AFSPA gets implemented in Meghalaya then it will be hard to convince the Centre to repeal the Act in future.”

“If we look at Manipur this Act has been implemented since 1980 and even after 35 years this act is still enforce in the state despite opposition from various quarters and the continued struggle of Irom Chanu Sharmila , who has been on a hunger strike for the past 15 years demanding repeal of this Act,” he said.