Panel to review lifting AFSPA from Nagaland
Army may act against personnel in botched encounter
The Centre has decided to set up a high-level committee to examine the withdrawal of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Nagaland days after the killing of 14 civilians triggered a new debate on the special powers of security personnel.
The decision to constitute the committee was taken at a meeting chaired by Union home minister Amit Shah and attended by Chief Ministers Neiphiu Rio of Nagaland and Himanta Biswa Sarma of Assam on December 23, an official said.
The committee will be headed by the ministry of home affairs additional secretary (Northeast), and will include the Chief Secretary and DirectorGeneral of Police of Nagaland, besides the inspector general of Assam Rifles (North) and a representative of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
The panel will submit its recommendations within 45 days, based on which the decision on whether to continue designating Nagaland as a “disturbed area” or withdrawing AFSPA from the state will be taken, said a joint statement issued by Chief Minister Rio, Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton and Leader of Naga Peoples’ Front Legislature Party T.R. Zeliang.
“A court of inquiry will initiate disciplinary proceedings against the army unit and personnel who were involved in the Oting incident, and action will be taken against on the basis of a fair probe. The identified persons facing the investigation will be placed under suspension with immediate effect,” the statement said.
Protests have been going on in several districts of Nagaland for the withdrawal of the AFSPA, ever since an Army unit killed the 14 civilians in Mon mistaking them as insurgents.
The AFSPA empowers security forces to conduct operations and arrest anyone without any prior warrant. It also gives immunity to the forces if they shoot someone dead.
Meanwhile, in Kohima, in a statement, Dimapurbased 3 Corps of the Eastern Command of the Indian Army stated, “We once again deeply regret the loss of lives during the 04 Dec 21 incident in Mon Dist. Loss of lives is indeed sad & unfortunate. The inquiry ordered by Army is progressing expeditiously and all efforts are being made to conclude it at the earliest.” “We have taken out notices for people to come forward & assist us in the inquiry by providing any information including vid-eos, photos or any other material from original sources and will be grateful for the same. This can be conveyed on Whatsapp Messenger at
+916026930283 or Army Exchange Helpline
+913742388456.”
The Indian Army is also fully cooperating with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry ordered by State Govt & required details are being shared in a timely manner,” the statement said.
“We request all brothers and sisters of Nagaland to be patient and wait for the findings of the Army inquiry. We assure you that action will be taken in accordance with the law to secure justice for all.”