In a press release in Dimapur, CM Neiphiu Rio, disclosed that a committee will be formed to look whether to revoke or not to revoke the AFSPA in Nagaland.
The decision comes after a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The meeting was also attended by Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, and the Naga People’s Front Legislature Party leader TR Zeliang.
CM Neiphiu Rio tweeted, “Briefed the media with regard to the meeting chaired by Hon’ble HMOIndia Shri AmitShah on Dec’ 23, 2021 in New Delhi. Grateful to Amit Shah ji for taking up the matter with utmost seriousness. The State Govt. appeals to all sections to continue to maintain a peaceful atmosphere (sic).”
The committee will be headed by Additional Secretary-NE
Neiphiu informed that the committee will be chaired by the additional secretary-NE, MHA, and will also include the chief secretary and director general of police of Nagaland.
IGAR (N) and representatives of CRPF will also be part of the committee.
The committee has to submit the report within 45 days
CM Neiphiu Rio further said that, “The Committee will submit its report within 45 days and withdrawal of Disturbed Area and AFSPA from Nagaland will be based on the recommendations of the committee.”
Rio further said that a Court of Enquiry will initiate “disciplinary proceedings against the army unit and army personnel,” who were involved in the Oting killings. He added that action will be taken on the “basis of fair enquiry” and “the identified persons who will face the enquiry will be placed under suspension with immediate effect.”
Previously, on 20th December, the Indian Army had announced an “inquiry” into the Oting killings.
The internal army inquiry will run parallel to the Special Investigation Team set by the Nagaland state government.
Regarding this, Zeliang added that the Union Home Ministry “will examine both the reports and find out the truth.”
Also the state government pledged employment to the near relative of the deceased victims on compassionate grounds on the “basis of eligibility.”
Rio said that at the December 23 meeting, the Nagaland ministerial team asked Shah to “replace the Assam Rifles unit stationed in Mon with immediate effect” as demanded by the civil society.
Lastly Rio said, “The state government appeals to all sections to remain calm and to continue to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. The democratic and peaceful nature of the civil society groups, tribal hohos and mass based organizations in our collective quest for justice and truth has been well received and has created a positive image of the Naga people to the rest of the global community.”
