Kohima, December 30: The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) was extended in Nagaland by a period of six months in effect from Monday, December 30, 2019. As per the notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the special protection accorded to the Army would remain intact till June 30, 2020. Naga Peace Talks: All Stakeholders Including Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh to be Consulted Before Final Settlement, Says MHA.

The decision to extend the period of AFSPA is based on the threat posed by armed insurgent groups in the region, an official was reported as saying. The contentious law is imposed by the central government by exercising their right under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (No. 28 of 1958).

The law grants immunity to armed forces personnel from penal action while acting in conflicted regions. The law, activists in Northeast allege, has been misuse to target civilians and unarmed protesters. The human rights' bodies allege that the Army has committed excesses in the region under the garb of AFSPA.

Update by ANI

The extension of AFSPA comes amid the shadow of ongoing Naga peace talks. Though the dialogue with the largest insurgent group - National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) faction led by Thuingaleng Muivah reached considerable progress, the inking of final agreement was delayed in October. The Naga groups, involved in the dialogue, remained vehement on contentious demands -- including a separate flag and constitution.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 30, 2019 05:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).