Citing 'improved security', MHA reduces areas under AFSPA in Nagaland, Assam & Manipur
New Delhi
Two BJP chief ministers Himanta Biswa Sarma of Assam and his Manipur counterpart N Biren Singhhave been indicating this.
But it is still not clear whether the move has anything to do with putting the Naga peace talkson a fast track.
Various socio-political organisations in Nagaland have been demanding revocation of the AFSPA.
Finally, in a "significant development", the Centre on Thursday reduced areas in Nagaland, Manipur and Assam where the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) was in force.
The controversial AFSPA guarantees special powers to security forces to arrest, shoot and raid and occupy civilian property in conduct of counter-insurgency missions. It also gives immunity from prosecution to the securitypersonnel in certain cases.
Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted “In a significant step, GoI under the decisive leadership of PM Shri @NarendraModi Ji has decided to reduce disturbed areas under Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the states of Nagaland, Assam and Manipur after decades.”
Shah attributed the decision to the “improved security situation and fast-tracked development due to the consistent efforts and several agreements to end insurgency and bring lasting peace in the North East by PM @narendramodi government”.
In another missive, Shah wrote - "Thanks to PM @NarendraModi Ji’s unwavering commitment, our North-Eastern region, which was neglected for decades, is now witnessing a new era of peace, prosperity and unprecedented development. I congratulate the people of the North East on this momentous occasion".
Demands for removal of AFSPA have echoed in the northeast for years. The issue was again flaggedoff after civilians were shot dead by the Army at Oting areas in Nagaland's Mon district in a case of mistaken identity and botched up military operations.
The 'reduced areas' under AFSPA would possibly come into effect from April 1.
Sometime back, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had also indicated that there would be some “positive news” on AFSPA in the year 2022.
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh had also talked about possible administrative steps to repeal or relax AFSPA implementation.
"Grateful to GoI under the leadership of @PMOIndia Shri @narendramodi ji and Amit Shah ji for reducing disturbed areas under AFSPA in the states of Nagaland, Assam & Manipur. This is a significant development towards bringing stability, security & prosperity to the North East region," tweeted Nagaland Chief Minister
Neiphiu Rio.
Notably, DG Assam Rifles Lt Gen P C Nair earlier this year had said that wherever AFSPA has been relaxedin Manipur and in Nagaland, there has been an increase in cases of extortion.
"Maximum extortion takes places where AFSPA has been withdrawn (the 33 sq km in Imphal valley), which is also called the de-notified area. Realisation has to dawn on the common people. We cannot always protect them from intimidation. That is the job of the police," Lt Gen Nair had said.
On December 30, 2021 the centre had set up an AFSPA review panel and that included among others, DG Assam Rifles as well.
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New Delhi
The visiting US Deputy NSA Daleep Singh held important parleys with Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla here on Thursday, March 31.
Both sides discussed economic cooperation and matters pertaining to strategic partnership, MEA spokesman Arindam Bagchi said.
They look forward to working together on global issues of mutual interest, including in G20, he tweeted.
Daleep Singh's visit is crucial as it comes days before 11th April 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Washington.
The US is also keen to discuss at length with India on the Ukraine conflict.
The visit coincides with the sojourn of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who is expected to
hold important talks with Indian leaders and officials on Friday.
British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss is already in India and is holding important parleys.
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Nirendra Dev
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