NWU opposes extension of AFSPA to Naga areas of Manipur

The Union with strong commitment argued whether the violence hit valley, under 19 police stations in Imphal which are exempted from AFSPA, is safer than the calm Naga Areas

Naga Women’s Union (NWU) vehemently opposed the extension of the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) to the entire state of Manipur excluding 19 police stations in Imphal Valley for a period of six months with effect from October 1, 2023.
President of the NWU, Asha Wungnam stated that the Union felt the decision of Government of India to extend the draconian law after seeing the present situation of the state of Manipur is highly questionable. The release stated that the Nagas have been trying their best to maintain peace and restore normalcy inspite of the turmoil and not even a single voice is raised other than continuous pleas for restoring peace in the state. However, the stretching of AFSPA in Naga Areas at this present juncture is “tyrannical, intimidating and menacing. The domineering and autocratic behaviours can never bring any empathy nor hushed community,” NWU said.

The Union with strong commitment argued whether the violence hit valley, under 19 police stations in Imphal which are exempted from AFSPA, is safer than the calm Naga Areas. The disparity shown to the Nagas is unacceptable when peace and normalcy have prevailed for 26 years in Naga Areas after the signing of Indo- Naga Ceasefire on July 1, 1997. Since the promulgation of AFSPA in the state, Naga have had tearful life and said the people longed for the day when the Government of India will wipe away the tears of fear and hug the people with love. The women community fears that it has been 66 years of infliction of pain after the entry of AFSPA and the further extension could mean trepidation, it lamented.

The release mentioned that NWU condemned the extension and demands for immediate withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Power Act, 1958, (AFSPA) from the Naga homeland and restore hope and confidence in the peace process.

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