Union Govt to constitute panel to look into withdrawal of AFSPA from Nagaland

Kohima/Guwahati: Union government has decided to constitute a five-member committee to look into the withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 or AFSPA from the northeastern state, said Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Sunday.

The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on December 23 to discuss the present situation in Nagaland, said a joint statement issued by Rio, Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton and Leader of Naga Peoples' Front Legislature Party T R Zeliang. Besides the trio that issued the statement, the meeting was also attended by North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convenor and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

According to the statement, the committee which will be headed by the Ministry of Home Affairs additional secretary (Northeast)will submit its recommendations within 45 days. The chief secretary, Director General of police of Nagaland, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North) and a representative of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will be included in the panel.

A decision on whether to continue designating Nagaland as a "disturbed area" or withdrawing AFSPA from the state will be taken based on the report submitted by the panel.

"A court of inquiry will initiate disciplinary proceedings against the army unit and personnel who were involved in the Oting incident, and action will be taken against on the basis of a fair probe. The identified persons facing the investigation will be placed under suspension with immediate effect," the statement said.

Government jobs will be provided to the next of kin of the deceased, and Mon superintendent of police and deputy commissioner will carry out necessary procedures in consultation with the village councils concerned, it said.

The three Nagaland leaders who attended the meeting at Delhi expressed gratitude to Shah for taking up the matter with utmost seriousness and appreciated the Centre for taking steps towards ensuring justice and also positively responding to the voice of the people.

They appealed to all sections of the Naga society to remain calm and maintain peace.

Fourteen civilians were killed by security forces in firing incidents in Mon district earlier this month, giving strength to demands in Nagaland to withdraw AFSPA from the northeastern state.