March against AFSPA ends at Kohima, memorandum submitted to Governor

Hundreds of anti-AFSPA protesters today reached Kohima concluding their two-day 70 km march from Dimapur demanding repeal of the controversial Act.

Upon reaching Kohima, representatives of different Naga groups submitted a memorandum to Nagaland Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi to be forwarded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding repeal of the Armed Forces Special Forces Act from the state.

Addressing the gathering at Kohima, Global Naga Forum leader Chuba Ozukum said that the walkathon is a new movement led by the Naga public. Ozukum further stated that it is just the beginning and that everyone must remember to take it forward when it comes to the repealing of AFSPA.

Meanwhile, Naga Mothers Association leader Rosemary Dzuvichu said that is high time for the youths of the state to lead from the front. Dzuvichu said that the NMA is happy to be a part of this change in the Naga society.

Notably, after walking for miles on January 10th the protestors halted at Piphema village for the night and resumed the march early morning today with a prayer.
Worth mentioning here, the Union Home Ministry on December 30, 2021, extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the whole of Nagaland for another six months. The move came at a time when there was a massive demand for repeal of the controversial Act in the wake of the killing of 14 civilians at Oting in Mon district.