The Central government has extended the application of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Nagaland for another six months.
In a gazetted notification issued on Thursday, the Central government said that given the disturbance and dangerous conditions prevailing in the State, use of armed forces in the aid of civil power is necessary.
The entire State was thus declared a ‘disturbed area’ under the Act with effect from December 30, 2021.
The Armed Forces Special Powers Act gives powers to the army and military forces to maintain peace and security, including the right to fire at and search anyone or place.
The Chief Ministers of Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland and regional parties across the northeast had called for the AFSPA to be repealed in wake of the shooting of civilians at Mon district in December 4 this year.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had even announced the formation of a committee on Sunday to look into and give a report in 45 days on the withdrawal of the Act from the entire northeast.
