Modi govt trying to justify militarization of Nagaland
The Government of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fooling the people of Nagaland by the series of bizarre action in the recent past, starting from the misleading statement in Parliament by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the December 4 Oting incident. The BJP leader tried to cover-up the massacre of innocent civilians by the Indian army as a case of ‘mistaken identity’. This was a blatant lie to protect the killers and also justify the militarization of Nagaland.
If that was not enough, the Modi led BJP government is now undermining the intellect and goodwill of the Nagas by extending the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) by another six-month even though only a few hours earlier, it took the moral high-ground by setting-up a panel to look into the withdrawal of the AFSPA from the state.
What is completely unacceptable and undignified on the part of the Modi-government is that the people of Nagaland were informed that the committee is to submit its report within 45 days (i.e. February first week, 2022). However the December 26 official order from the MHA says three months (90 days).
Also given that the withdrawal of Disturbed Area and AFSPA from Nagaland will be based on recommendations of the committee, it would have been more respectable for the GoI to atleast let the committee submit its report before deciding on the extension of the AFSPA.
The Naga Rising considers that the decision to extend the AFSPA by 6 months exposes the insincerity and insensitivity towards the people of Nagaland by the GoI and the complete weakness of the elected government in Nagaland under the Neiphiu Rio led UDA to fight and defend the democratic rights of the people.
What is even more atrocious on the part of the establishment in Delhi is the attempt to deceive the people of Nagaland through its contradictory and paradoxical official position. While on the one hand a committee will study the situation and recommend on the feasibility of the AFSPA, the latest Gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has already concluded that “the whole of the state of Nagaland is in such a disturbed and dangerous condition that use of armed forces in aid of Civil is necessary”.
Now, therefore, what is the whole point in setting up the committee on AFSPA when the MHA has already given its opinion, clearly stating that Nagaland is ‘disturbed’ and ‘dangerous’ and requires the AFSPA.
The Naga Rising is also not at all convinced with the setting up of the high-level committee to examine the possibility of withdrawing the AFSPA. The very composition of the panel, centered on officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the military, does not give us the confidence that it will take a fair and objective assessment on the draconian AFSPA.
Even the Nagaland Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, included in the panel, are both All India Service (AIS) officers and serves under the Ministry of Personnel and MHA. If at all, with the extension of the AFSPA for another 6-month, the setting up of the GoI appointed Committee is nothing but an eye-wash and time delaying tactic.
The Naga Rising is aghast at the manner in which the GoI is trying to fool and mislead the Naga people into confusion and submission.
Issued by The Naga Rising in public interest
Dec 31, 2021
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