Kohima: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has expressed its strong opposition to the recent extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in eight districts of Nagaland, as notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The controversial law, which grants sweeping powers to security forces, has been extended for another six months in Dimapur, Niuland, Chümoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, and Peren districts, along with areas under 21 police stations across five other districts.
In a statement, NSF President Medovi Rhi and General Secretary Chumben Khuvung condemned the decision as a “unilateral move” by the Government of India that ignores the long-standing demands of the Naga people to revoke the “draconian” law. The federation argued that AFSPA has been used as a tool of oppression, eroding basic human rights and fostering fear among the Naga people for decades.
“Despite the relative peace and significant progress in the Naga political dialogue, the extension of AFSPA sends a clear message that the Indian government is unwilling to recognize the aspirations and rights of the Naga people. The arbitrary imposition of AFSPA continues to demean our struggle for self-determination and disrupt the trust-building process with the government of India,” the NSF statement read.
The student body rejected the characterisation of Nagaland as a “disturbed area” and criticised the lack of consultation with Naga civil society or local representatives before the decision was made.
“The arbitrary imposition of AFSPA continues to demean our struggle for self-determination and alienates our people from the Indian state,” NSF stated, calling for the immediate repeal of the act.
“The continued enforcement of this draconian law only exacerbates the alienation of our people from the Indian state and undermines the prospects for a peaceful and lasting solution to the Naga political issue,” the NSF added.
The federation pledged to intensify its efforts and pursue democratic protests to ensure the voices of the Naga people are heard. NSF also urged Naga civil society organisations, well-wishers, and the international community, including human rights organizations and the United Nations, to take note of the ongoing human rights violations resulting from the prolonged imposition of AFSPA in Nagaland.
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