KOHIMA: The Naga People’s Front (NPF) recently expressed its resentment over the Centre’s order expending the Distributed Areas Act to the whole of Nagaland for another six months.
NPF in an official press release said, “During this crucial period of negotiations and talks to solve the vexed Naga political problem and when the Naga people are seriously hoping for a final settlement, this Central government order has come as a shock, creating doubts about the keenness and sincerity of the Centre in taking the Naga peace process to a logical conclusion.”
The release further said that the Naga people were hopeful of a positive outcome following the government assertion to conclude the Naga peace process, but the Central government yet again declared the whole of Nagaland as a disturbed area, which was totally uncalled for.
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The Central government on Wednesday extended its “disturbed area” tag on Nagaland for six more months, furthering the continuance of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) which empowers security forces to conduct operations anywhere and arrest anyone without prior warrant, and to open fire if deemed “necessary for the maintenance of public order”.
The Act, denounced by various Naga civil organisations as being “draconian”, has been in force in the State for several decades, and is extended biannually
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday issued the notification that stated the Central government believes that the area comprising the whole of Nagaland is in such a “disturbed and dangerous condition” that the use of armed forces in aid of the civil power is necessary.
The NPF reminded the Central government that imposition of the Act only shows insincerity on its part.
“Therefore, the NPF strongly urges the Central government to reconsider its stand and revoke the Act, and exhibit sincerity for speedy conclusion of the talks,” the NPF said.
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