Centre Considering Nagaland’s Demand To Remove AFSPA, Says CM. Expresses Hope For ‘Positive Decision’

Following the Mon killings, the state cabinet chose to take up with the Center the immediate repeal of AFSPA, while a resolution was passed in the assembly on December 20 in this regard, Rio said.

Photo: Twitter/Neiphiu_Rio

Kohima: Nagaland’s Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday said that the Centre is considering Nagaland's demand to remove Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

While addressing the Republic Day function at the Civil Secretariat, the CM told that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe the killing of 14 civilians by security forces in 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 certain that justice will be conveyed to the families, he added.

Following the Mon killings, the state cabinet chose to take up with the Center the immediate repeal of AFSPA, while a resolution was passed in the assembly on December 20 in this regard, 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.

Keeping up with that negotiation between the Naga Political Groups and the Center over the politically driven issue have been happening in a friendly climate to find a solution, the chief minister said all MLAs have met up and shaped an opposition-less government to pass on to the negotiating parties that the state anticipates a respectable, comprehensive and adequate solution.

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

Rio said guaranteeing great administration and carrying it to the doorstep of each individual has been the undertaking 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.

The chief minister encouraged individuals to keep sticking to COVID-proper conduct as he took the booster dose of vaccine soon after the function.

Rio said Nagaland, which is approaching sixty years as a state, has been proficiently walking side by side with all the other states of the Union and contributing to strengthening the nation.

Notwithstanding the call for non-support in the Republic Day festivities by the Eastern Nagaland People's Organization and the Naga Students' Federation over the Mon killings, the celebrations went off calmly, an authority said.

Altogether 13 walking contingents from various security forces and NCC participated in the Republic Day march.

A few honors were introduced during the function, while cultural performances by TaFMA, Department of Women Resource Development, 37th Battalion of BSF, and groups of Angami, Rengma, Lotha, and Sumi enthralled the gathering.