Nagaland AFSPA repeal demand: Centre to constitute high-level committee

The Centre will constitute a high level committee to be headed Additional Secretary for Northeast, Ministry of Home Affairs to examine the demand for withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special

The Centre will constitute a high level committee to be headed Additional Secretary for Northeast, Ministry of Home Affairs to examine the demand for withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Nagaland.

The committee will also include the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Nagaland. Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North) and representatives of the CRPF will also be part of the committee.

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The Committee will submit its report within 45 days. The decision to withdraw the Disturbed Area status and AFSPA from Nagaland will be based on the recommendations of the committee. This has been confirmed by Nagaland Chief Minsiter Neiphiu Rio who said that this crucial decision was taken during his meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on December 23.

Among those others present in the meeting were Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton and NPF Legislature Party leader TR Zeliang.

In the meeting, the Home Minister informed CM Neiphiu Rio that a Court of Enquiry will initiate disciplinary proceedings against the army unit and army personnel, involved in the Oting incident and action will be taken immediately on the basis of the outcome of the fair enquiry.

Discussions also focused on the Nagaland government providing jobs to the kin of the deceased. To initiate this process, the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police of Mon district, will carry out necessary procedures in consultation with the concerned village councils and government jobs will be given on compassionate grounds on the basis of eligibility.

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Meanwhile, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also impressed upon the Home Minister Amit Shah to replace the Assam Rifles unit in Mon with immediate effect. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief minister Y Patton and NPF leader TR Zeliang have also appreciated the role of Union Home Minister Amit Shah for handling the matter with utmost seriousness and taking the required steps to ensure justice as well as responding positively to the voice of the people.

The Nagaland government has also appealed to all sections to remain calm and to continue to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.

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