• The Centre is Examining the Withdrawal of AFSPA and Hoping for a Positive Outcome: CM Neiphiu Rio

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    The Centre is Examining the Withdrawal of AFSPA and Hoping for a Positive Outcome: CM Neiphiu Rio
    Digital Desk: Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio said the Centre is examining Nagaland's request to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

    Rio speaking at the Republic Day 2022 celebration, said the special investigative team (SIT) constituted to review the deaths of 14 civilians by security forces in Nagaland's Mon district had made good progress.

    "The matter is being considered by the central government, and we are hoping that a favourable decision will be made soon... We are confident that the families will receive justice." CM Neiphiu Rio Rio said.

    On December 20, the Nagaland Assembly passed a resolution calling for the AFSPA to be repealed in the state. The state government has also requested that the act that provides security forces with much-needed legal protection while operating in troubled areas be repealed.

    The Army is already investigating the terrible incident that occurred on December 4 in the Mon district of Nagaland. Last week, Army Chief General MM Naravane told that the inquiry report had already been submitted to HQ Eastern Command and that he was confident that justice would be served to all affected in the incident, including security forces.

    He also stated that the removal of AFSPA was tied to a state's status as a 'disturbed area,' and that the Army would be more than prepared to focus on its primary mission of focusing on external threats if Nagaland's disturbed area status was removed, allowing AFSPA to be withdrawn.

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