Amid row over Nagaland killings, Centre extends AFSPA for six months

This comes at a time when there has been an uproar in the state following the death of 13 civilians, 6 of whom were killed in a botched-up operation in Mon district on December 4 by the Indian Army.

Indian army soldiers patrol in Kohima. (Photo: AP)

EVEN AS it set up a committee to look into the demand for removal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from Nagaland, the Centre on Thursday extended the imposition of the law in the state by six months.

In a gazette notification issued on Thursday, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said: “Whereas the central government is of the opinion that the area comprising the whole of the state of Nagaland is in such a disturbed and dangerous condition that the use of armed forces in aid of the civil power is necessary. Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (No.28 of 1958) the central government hereby declares that whole of the state of Nagaland to be ‘disturbed area’ for a period of six months with effect from 30th December, 2021, for the purpose of the said Act.”

Also Read | Nagaland killings: Army to give state probe panel access to its men

The imposition of AFSPA in Nagaland was due to expire on December 31, as it was last extended in the state on June 30. AFSPA can be imposed in an area or a region for six months at a time, after which it has to be extended if the government deems it necessary.

Story continues below this ad

On December 26, the Centre set up a high-level committee chaired by a Secretary-level officer to examine the possibility of withdrawing AFSPA in Nagaland. The committee is set to submit its report within 45 days.

Also Read | Nagaland: 14 civilians killed by forces; soldier dies of injuries as violence erupts

The committee was set up following protests over the botched up operation in Mon district of Nagaland on December 4, in which six coal miners were killed. After the incident, the Nagaland Assembly passed a resolution for repeal of AFSPA.

Also Read | Centre sets up panel to look into withdrawal of AFSPA in Nagaland; report in 45 days

The committee is headed by Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India Vivek Joshi, and includes Additional Secretary in the Union Home Ministry Piyush Goyal, as well as the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Nagaland, and the DGP, Assam Rifles, as members.

AFSPA is imposed or lifted from a region by the Centre following due consultation with the state government, the Armed forces and the central agencies.

Story continues below this ad

In March 2018, the MHA had ordered the removal of AFSPA from Meghalaya. In Arunachal Pradesh, it was removed from several police station areas in 2018- 2019, and only three districts and four police station areas that border Assam are currently under AFSPA in the state.

Tags:
AFSPA
Nagaland

H-1B $100,000 entry fee explained: Who pays, who’s exempt, and what’s still unclear?

Explained5 hr ago

The White House's decision to impose a $100,000 entry fee on H-1B visa holders has sparked worry among Indian tech workers and students. While uncertainties remain about its implementation and exemptions, major tech companies have cautioned employees against traveling. The policy could lead to a shift towards other visa categories and potentially change the STEM immigration pipeline.

View all shorts

Live Blog