Centre does well to withdraw AFSPA from many districts in the Northeast. It must carry on working in this direction

News: The main task before the Central govt, after the partial withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers (AFSPA) Act from Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, is to slowly restore the primacy of the civilian administration in the areas still under AFSPA.

It’s a process that needs great patience, negotiation and accommodation.

Is AFSPA still in operation in the Northeast?

Yes. The withdrawal is only partial. The law still continues to be in operation in the following areas:

– nearly 75% of Nagaland

– all of the hill districts in Manipur

– 40% of Assam, mainly the districts bordering Manipur and Nagaland

What is the background behind imposition of AFSPA in the Northeast?

The Act in its present form was first imposed in Nagaland to battle the Naga nationalist movement that gained ground in the 1950s.

As Naga nationalism acquired the character of an armed insurrection, the Act was introduced in Manipur’s hill areas, which are home to Naga tribes.

As Naga nationalism influenced the rise of similar nationalist movements in neighbouring states, including in Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Assam, from the 1960s onwards, the government moved in the army and central para-military forces to the region. The AFSPA provided operational cover for these forces, not trained or mandated to operate amid a civilian population or to report to the civil administration.

Source: This post is based on the article “Centre does well to withdraw AFSPA from many districts in the Northeast. It must carry on working in this direction” published in The Indian Express on 2nd April 22.