Centre considering Nagaland's demand to withdraw controversial AFSPA: CM

Kohima: Expressing hope for a "positive decision," the Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday said that the Centre is considering the state's demand for the removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

Addressing an event on the occasion of Republic Day 2022, Rio said that the special investigation team (SIT) formed to probe the deaths of 14 civilians by security forces in Nagaland's Mon has made good progress.

"We are taking every measure to lessen the pain of the family members, who lost their near and dear ones, as well as of all those who suffered injuries," he said.

We are sure that justice will be delivered to the families, he added.

Following the Mon killings, the state cabinet decided to take up with the Centre the immediate repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958, while a resolution was passed in the assembly on December 20 in this regard, Mr Rio said.

The state government has taken up with the Centre the matter of removal of AFSPA from Nagaland, he said.

"The central government is considering the matter and we are hopeful of a positive decision soon," Rio said. Maintaining that negotiation between the Naga Political Groups and the Centre over the political issue have been going on in a cordial atmosphere to find a solution, the chief minister said all MLAs have come together and formed an opposition-less government to convey to the negotiating parties that the state expects an honourable, inclusive and acceptable solution.

"We will continue to facilitate and be hopeful of an early solution," he said.

Mr Rio said ensuring good governance and bringing it to the doorstep of every person has been the endeavour of his government.

"We took another step towards this end by creating three new districts, Tseminyu, Niuland and Chumoukedima in December 2021, and Shamator District in January 2022," he said.

Despite the call for non-participation in the Republic Day celebrations by the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation and the Naga Students' Federation over the Mon killings, the celebrations went off peacefully, an official said.