Centre declares Nagaland 'disturbed', extends AFSPA for 6 more months

NEW DELHI: The Centre has declared the entire state of Nagaland as ‘disturbed area’ and extended the Armed Forces Special Power Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in the state for another six months.

Extending the Act till June 30, 2022, the Centre stated that Nagaland’s “disturbed and dangerous condition” necessitates use of armed forces in aid of civil power. The Army is currently conducting a court of inquiry into an ambush that went wrong on December 4, killing several civilians.

Days after it formed panel to review AFSPA in Nagaland, the Centre made the declaration stating that Nagaland’s “disturbed and dangerous condition” necessitates use of armed forces in aid of civil power.

The Central government had formed a seven-member committee to suggest withdrawal of the AFSFA from Nagaland and asked to submit its report within three months. The Centre on Sunday constituted the panel, headed by a secretary-rank officer, to examine the possibility of lifting the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in the state, apparently to soothe the rising tension in the northeastern state over the killing of 14 civilians.

Meanwhile, the special investigation team (SIT), set up by the Nagaland government to probe the botched operation by 21 Para-Special Forces in the state, will start questioning the officers and soldiers involved in the incident from Thursday at Jorhat in Assam. The SIT is expected to submit its report next month.