The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday announced extended the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Nagaland by another six months, calling the state a “disturbed area.” Several tribal groups have condemned the announcement and its disregard for the wishes of the people of Nagaland.
AFSPA was enacted in 1958 to tackle insurgency in the northeast. The law has been previously criticised for giving “sweeping powers” to armed forces deployed in the state. Under the act, once a region is declared as a “disturbed area,” security forces in the region cannot be prosecuted for their actions without the central government’s approval. The act has repeatedly been extended in Nagaland and while the Indian government argues that AFSPA is necessary for national security, locals argue that the law is used to suppress dissent and protests.
The latest decision comes shortly after a meeting between representatives of the central and the state government on December 23. Chaired by Union Minister Amit Shah, the meeting was attended by the chief ministers of Nagaland and Assam, Neiphiu Rio and Himanta Biswa Sarma, and other leaders from the Nagaland government. Following detailed discussions, it was decided that the issue of withdrawing AFSPA from Nagaland would be referred to a high-level committee that would submit its report in 45 days. However, the government released a notification well before the end of this 45-day period, saying, “The central government is of the opinion that the area comprising the whole of the State of Nagaland is in such a disturbed and dangerous condition that the use of armed forces in aid of the civil power is necessary.”
A senior leader quoted by the Indian Express said that the move attracted an “explosive” reaction from the state’s legislators, who have viewed the extension as an act of betrayal. He said that while the extension of AFSPA is a “normal exercise” undertaken every six months, it comes at a time “when emotions are high.” He also said several legislators believe that the decision should have been kept on hold until the high-level committee’s report was published.
The Naga Hoho, an apex tribal body, expressed dismay that the government is continuing to ignore the “inalienable rights of the Nagas.” In a statement, the tribal body said that the “dignity and rights of the Naga people” were not being respected and urged residents to “be prepared for any eventuality in the days to come.” Similar condemnations were released by several civil groups, including unions of the majority Konyak tribe and the Naga Students’ Federation. In addition, the Naga People’s Front, a member of the United Democratic Alliance in Nagaland, released a statement saying it was “aghast and affronted.” It also criticised chief minister Rio and the leaders of its party who had previously lauded the central government for “taking the matter with utmost seriousness.”
On December 20, the state’s Legislative Assembly held a special one-day session and unanimously voted to demand the repeal of AFSPA. To this end, the Naga People’s Front asserted that the central government’s decision shows an “utter disregard” for the “voices of small states, particularly in North-East India.” It also vowed to use democratic means to push the government to reconsider its decision.
The December 20 Legislative Assembly session was held in response to a botched counterterrorism operation by security forces earlier this month, when six coal-mine workers were accidentally killed after being mistaken for militants. Following the incident, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Alliance said, “At a time when the Indo-Naga issue is nearing a conclusion, such a random and dastardly act by the security forces is unimaginable and unfathomable.” They also urged authorities to repeal AFSPA, pointing that the latest incident demonstrates how the law can be exploited.
The government’s decision to extend AFSPA will likely result in continued protests in the state. In fact, the Naga Peoples’ Front and the Naga Students’ Federation have already vowed to hold demonstrations until the central government reconsiders its decision.