AFSPA Imbroglio : Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio Hopeful Of Positive Decision From The Centre

File PictureCentre is considering Nagaland’s demand of removal of AFSPA from the state, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said expressing hope for a “positive decision”. As per PTI report, Addressing the Republic Day function at the Civil Secretariat here, Rio said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe the killing of 14 civilians by security forces in Mon has made good progress. “We are taking every measure to lessen the pain of the family members, who lost their near and dear ones, as well as of all those who suffered injuries,” he said.

We are sure that justice will be delivered to the families, he added. Following the Mon killings, the state cabinet decided to take up with the Centre the immediate repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958, while a resolution was passed in the assembly on December 20 in this regard, Rio said.

The state government has taken up with the Centre the matter of removal of AFSPA from Nagaland, he said. “The central government is considering the matter and we are hopeful of a positive decision soon,” Rio said. Maintaining that negotiation between the Naga Political Groups and the Centre over the political issue have been going on in a cordial atmosphere to find a solution, the chief minister said all MLAs have come together and formed an opposition-less government to convey to the negotiating parties that the state expects an honorable, inclusive and acceptable solution.