Kohima/GuwahatiNagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Sunday said that the Center has decided to constitute a five-member committee to examine the withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958 from the state.
He said the committee would be headed by the Additional Secretary (North-East) of the Ministry of Home Affairs and would include the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Nagaland besides the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North) and a representative of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
Rio, a joint statement issued by Deputy Chief Minister Y Patten and Naga People’s Front Legislature Party leader TR Zeliang said the committee would submit its recommendations within 45 days, based on which Nagaland to be designated as a “disturbed area”. A decision will be taken whether to continue or withdraw AFSPA from the state.
Briefed the media with regard to the meeting chaired by Hon’ble @HMOIndia Shri @AmitShah on Dec’ 23, 2021 in New Delhi. Grateful to Amit Shah ji for taking up the matter with utmost seriousness. The State Govt. appeals to all sections to continue to maintain a peaceful atmosphere pic.twitter.com/a8CLuw3MM6
— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) December 26, 2021
The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on December 23 in New Delhi to discuss the current situation in Nagaland. “A Court of Inquiry will initiate disciplinary proceedings against the military unit and personnel involved in the Oting incident and action will be taken on the basis of an impartial investigation,” the statement said. Personnel facing investigation will be suspended with immediate effect.”
The kin of the deceased would be given government jobs and the Mon’s superintendent of police and the deputy commissioner would take necessary procedures in consultation with the respective village councils, the statement said. According to the demand of the Konyak people, the Nagaland delegation asked Shah to withdraw the Assam Rifles unit at Mon with immediate effect and deploy another contingent, the statement said.
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Earlier this month, 14 people were killed in firing by security forces in Nagaland’s Mon district, prompting calls for withdrawal of AFSPA from the northeastern state. Meanwhile, the army said in a statement that its investigation is progressing rapidly and it is fully cooperating with the Nagaland government’s SIT.
The Army urged the people of the state to be patient and wait for the findings of the investigation and assured them that action would be taken as per law to ensure justice. “The people of Nagaland have always cooperated with the security forces in maintaining peace and harmony over the past several decades,” the army said in a statement.
We share with you a deep bond of brotherhood, trust and friendship. Let us work together for a brighter and better future.” The army has also issued a helpline number for providing videos, photos and other evidence regarding the incident. (agency)