Panel to explore withdrawal of AFSPA in Nagaland is a step in the right direction. Centre must build on it

News: Recently, the Centre’s decided to constitute a panel to consider withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Nagaland. The panel will be headed by the Additional Secretary (Northeast) from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

The AFSPA panel has to submit a report in 45 days. Earlier, the Nagaland Assembly passed a unanimous resolution for repealing the Act.

About the AFSPA

What is the present status of AFSPA?

About the AFSPA and Nagaland

Insurgency in Nagaland is as old as Independent India. The Army was entrusted with the task of securing peace against insurgents with bases across the international border in Myanmar.

The AFSPA was imposed to entrust the Army with the legal protection to secure peace against insurgents who have bases across the international border in Myanmar.

The 1997 ceasefire signed between the government and the NSCN-IM has enabled a conversation towards ending the insurgency. Subsequently, the 2015 Framework Agreement signed between the Centre and NSCN-IM raised hopes of a resolution, including on the question of Naga sovereignty.

What should be done?

The Centre should revive the spirit of dialogue and peace, as the onus is on the Centre to win back the people’s trust after the recent event. The government should take steps to end the vicious cycle of violence in the region.

Source: This post is based on the following articles

“Panel to explore withdrawal of AFSPA in Nagaland is a step in the right direction. Centre must build on it” published in the Indian Express on 28th December 2021.

“A progressive step: On setting of panel for AFSPA by Nagaland” published in The Hindu on 28th December 2021.