Centre Likely To Partially Withdraw AFSPA from Nagaland

NAGALAND: The Union Home is expected to look into the matter of removing the AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) from the state of Nagaland and other specific northeastern states.

On Thursday 23 December, Union Home Minister met the Chief Ministers of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma and Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio to discuss the matter. The decision of lifting the AFSPA from the states comes after the meeting of Chief Ministers with Shah.

Home Minister, Amit Shah allegedly informed Nagaland CM Rio and others that the police officials deployed in the state will have to take serious responsibilities and greater duties in maintaining peace and order in case if the act is partially removed from the state. He also stated that other details will also need to be worked out in such a situation of AFSPA withdrawal.

According to various reports, the AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) is opposed by TR Zeilang the former Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton and also by present Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio. On the other hand, the Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma is in support of the continuation of AFSPA in his state.

The decision of AFSPA removing from Nagaland is not yet finalized and before a conclusion on the topic with final approval, Minister Shah is likely to discuss the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for further negotiations.

The central government would have come with a final decision by the end of this year i.e. on 31 December at the time when Nagaland's notice of disturbed area that allows Armed Forces Special Powers Act ends. It will happen for the first time in the history of indigenous if the Armed Forces Special Powers Act is partially withdrawn from Nagaland state.

Also read: Army seeks info, photos, videos on Nagaland incident from the public

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