Digital Desk: The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the northeastern states has become a serious concern. Civilians are worried about the misuse of this Act by the special forces in the States.
AFSPA was withdrawn from one of the northeastern states, Tripura, in 2015. A bit over 18 years, the state government of Tripura decided to withdraw the Act.
Moreover, the Nagaland Cabinet decided to withdraw AFSPA after a tragic incident in the Mon district. The unfortunate incident took the lives of 13 civilians at the hands of special forces. This incident has brought a severe concern for the individuals to repeal this Act.
The demand for the withdrawal of AFSPA from the northeastern states has aged. Civil society bodies and rights activists have demanded the withdrawal of the 'draconian' law. However, the law still operates in these states.
After the tragic incident of Nagaland, every northeastern State is on talk to repeal this special power. Any form of Act or law is supposed to safeguard people's lives and identity. However, the execution of AFSPA holds more incidents of loss and disturbances than bringing peace and unity.
In September, human rights activists of Assam urged the government to repeal AFSPA. However, the government extended the Act for another six months stating the State as' "Disturbed Area."
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Human rights activists said there is no reason why the whole State has been announced a "disturbed area" when the insurgency is weak, and ethnic insurgent bodies have signed a peace agreement with the Centre. Even after the incident of Nagaland taking the lives of 13 innocents, the Centre has hardly taken any measures to provide justice to the deceased lives.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tried to justify the government's motion for the extension of AFSPA in Assam. CM Sarma stated that insurgent groups are still active in North-East, including Assam.
On the contrary, the problem of human rights violations resulting from the misuse of power security forces has long been underlined by activists and lawful professionals. AFSPA is witnessed as one of the most draconian ordinances in India since Independence.
Tripura and Meghalaya removed the AFSPA back in 2015 and 2018, respectively. Recently, Nagaland has made a move for the withdrawal of the law. Human rights activists stated that if Tripura and Meghalaya do not require the AFSPA, there is no need for the law in Assam.
Lately, Manipur State Human Rights Commission has reached out with suggestions stating there is no requirement of AFSPA in Manipur. Moreover, every northeastern State is speaking out for the repeal of AFSPA . But, what sounds hard is why the Assam government still extends the AFSPA months after months?
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