The killings of 13 civilians by security forces in a case of alleged mistaken identity in Nagaland has once again rekindled the debate over the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), a law that gives enormous discretionary powers to the armed forces over the civilian population.

The call for repealing the draconian AFSPA has grown louder with many politicians of the Northeast region also voicing the same. 

Irom Chanu Sharmila became the biggest symbol of resistance against AFSPA. She had undertaken a 16 long years of fasting demanding the repeal of this Act. The iconic protest by 12 Imas (mother's) of Manipur against the impunity of AFSPA in 2004 in the wake of the brutal rape and murder of Thangjam Manorama is still fresh in people's mind. There are countless such excesses by  security forces which fail to grab headlines.

AFSPA gives armed forces special powers to control “disturbed areas”, which are designated by the government when it is of the opinion that a region is in such a disturbed or dangerous condition that the use of armed forces in aid of civil power is necessary. Under its provisions, the armed forces have been empowered to open fire, enter and search without warrant, and arrest any person who has committed a cognisable offence, all while having immunity from being prosecuted.

The AFSPA has been in force in present day Nagaland ever since it was first brought in as an ordinance in 1958. It has been more than 63 years and it is clear that military means have failed to bring about a solution. The recent shooting of innocent civilians shows how erroneous and lethal the Act is. Although a Court of Inquiry has been instituted, justice for the victims is not expected because of the impunity this very Act provides. 

The elected representatives of the NE Region must all come together and pressurise the central government to repeal this draconian act. Time has come for AFSPA to go. It is the only way to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. 

---

Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

<< Back to News List