Another interesting case of extension of AFSPA
The news of extension of AFSPA, w.e.f, 1 October 2022, though not surprising is, nonetheless, befuddling. Reports state that AFSPA has been extended for a period of six months in three out of the 26 districts of Arunachal Pradesh, viz., Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts and areas under Namsai & Mahadevpur police stations in Namsai district.
In the state of Nagaland, out of the 16 districts, AFSPA has been extended in nine districts of Nagaland, namely, Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, Peren and Zunheboto. AFSPA has also been extended in the areas falling within the jurisdiction of i) Khuzama, Kohima North, Kohima South, Zubza and Kezocha police stations in Kohima District; ii) Mangkolemba, Mokokchung-I, Longtho, Tuli, Longchem and Anaki ‘C’ police stations in Mokokchung District; iii) Yanglok police station in Longleng District; and iv) Bhandari, Champang, Ralan and Sungro police stations in Wokha District.
It is surprising that the government is repeatedly expanding into the districts of Nagaland and Arunachal which have a substantial population of Naga tribes, despite the fact that Nagaland has had a ceasefire with the NSCN (I-M) for more than two years. Furthermore, the provisions of this ceasefire require NSCN-IM cadres to remain in designated camps.
With the movement of NSCN (I-M) cadres, restricted to designated camps, one wonders the need for repeated extension of AFSPA, which allows armed forces to search, arrest and fire if they deem fit. Gives extraordinary options. necessary to maintain public order.
With restrictions on the movement of NSCN (I-M) cadres, a reasonable case can be made for allowing the civil administration and state police to look after the administrative and security functions of Nagaland and Arunachal. An argument that under the provisions of the civil and criminal laws a state government is empowered to call for the assistance of the armed forces if public order is in danger of going beyond their control.
