Nagaland to Remain Under AFSPA for Another Six Months, State Declared as 'Disturbed Area'
The North-Eastern Indian state Nagaland has been declared as a "disturbed area" for another 180 days, i.e 6 months, till December -end, under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) which empowers defence forces to conduct operations and arrested anyone without any notice.
Kohima, July 1: The North-Eastern Indian state Nagaland has been declared as a "disturbed area" for another 180 days, i.e six months, till December-end, under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) which empowers defence forces to conduct operations and arrest anyone without any notice. The controversial AFSPA has been in force in the state for several decades.
In a notification, the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) said that the central government is an opinion that Nagaland is in "disturbed and dangerous condition" and the use of armed forces is necessary. 'AFSPA Must be Reviewed': Surgical Strikes Hero Lt Gen DS Hooda Endorses Congress Manifesto Promise.
"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 the whole of the said State to be a 'disturbed area' for a period of six months with effect from June 30, 2019, for the purpose of that Act," the notification issued on Sunday said.
The decision to keep state as "disturbed area" was taken after noticing the killing, looting and extortion which has been going on in various parts of the state. Meanwhile, there have been various demands in Nagaland as well as in Jammu and Kashmir for revoking the AFSPA, which, they say, gives "sweeping powers" to defence forces.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 01, 2019 08:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).