Ahead of the mass public march against Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, which has been scheduled for January 10, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) Wednesday asserted that Disturbed Area Act and AFSPA would automatically become infructuous if the political solution was resolved.
NPCC through its communications department claimed that implementation of political solution has been delayed because of the state government.
Stating that Congress was against the draconian laws, NPCC said that the party under the leadership of Dr. SC Jamir interpreted clearly to the Centre that “unrest in Nagaland is political and needs to be settled politically. The issue is not insurgency. It is related to our identity, religion, culture, customs and social practices.” According to NPCC, the NNC/FGN had adopted policy of non-violence and Naga groups have signed ceasefire agreements with the government of India since 1964, adding that ceasefire has continued.
It also said that Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) was formed for self-defence not for offensive war. However, NPCC said that after 1980, when NSCN broke away from FGN/NNC, the decent policy that guided the political movement “underwent changes with rampant killings and recruitment.”
With BJP and alliance state government’s policy to “actively facilitate” the peace talks, NPCC said several thousands have joined the movement and government of India has quickly given recognition even to split factions.
It maintained that the government of India may divide factions, but cannot divide the inherent political goal. Asserting that no one was safe at one time, NPCC said AFSPA in the decades of tumultuous situation was forgotten and how to stop factional warfare and assassinations became the priority. “Many have conformed with killers and are working hand in glove,” NPCC claimed.
Maintaining that there was no threat for Indian Army, NPCC said all the factions have signed ceasefire and talks have concluded. Congress reiterated that once the talks were implemented, the government of India would have no justification to extend. Therefore, NPCC said that the first demand was to implement solution.
Stating that AFSPA has nothing to do with justice to the victims of Oting massacre, NPCC said the culprits, who killed peaceful civilians, were criminals and needed to be prosecuted under CrPC. NPCC said that it was the duty of the state government to deliver justice and the culprits should not be allowed to escape by blaming AFSPA.