Nagaland: ‘Time for AFSPA to go’, says NSCN-IM’s mouthpiece Nagalim voice

“It is time for AFSPA to go”. 

This has been stated in the mouthpiece of the NSCN-IM, the Nagalim Voice. 

Editorial of the latest edition of Nagalim Voice said: “It is time for the AFSPA, 1958 to go.” 

The Nagalim Voice editorial said that it is high time that the Government of India repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). 

“… giving due importance to humanity in order to heal the wounds of the Nagas in the hands of the Indian armed forces,” the editorial said. 

Also read: ‘Panel should examine entire Northeast’: Meghalaya CM on formation of committee for AFSPA withdrawal in Nagaland

It further stated that it is time the “Government of India listens to the voice of the people and thereby take forward to process building a new chapter of relationship between the Government of India and Naga people”. 

The editorial said that for too long the Northeast people, particularly the Nagas, have “allowed themselves to be tormented, harassed and slaughtered by the Indian security forces”. 

It also alleged that the Government of India uses its “armed forces to treat the Nagas as if they are less than human and undeserving of respect and dignity”.  

It added: “For too long the Indian armed forces have shown themselves bereft of human conscience”. 

Also read: Nagaland killings: Inquiry progressing ‘expeditiously’, says Army

“Nothing hurts more than the Indian Army’s horror of fire and blood targeting innocent civilians. This movie-like horror of Oting massacre would never be forgotten in the years to come,” it added. 

The Nagalim Voice said: “It is worth recalling how General Thimmaiya of the Indian Army responded to PM Mr Jawaharlal Nehru who banged his hand on the table with his fist shouting, ‘What is a General for? Can’t you crush a handful of tribal rebels?’ General Thimmaiya replied, ‘The Naga issue is not a law-and-order problem, but a political problem requiring political wisdom for a solution’”. 

The NSCN-IM’s mouthpiece then added that no doubt, the ongoing Indo-Naga political talk is a part of the political initiative. “There is, however, too much leaning towards military initiative using the AFSPA. This approach needs to change,” it asserted.