By Imna Longchar
Dimapur (Nagaland), Dec 7: Minister for Planning, and Spokesperson, Nagaland, Neiba Kronu, on Tuesday said that the state government would write to the Centre to immediately repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1958, from the state.
Talking to media persons at a press briefing at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima, after an emergency Cabinet meeting which was called to discuss the December 4 and 5 incidents in Mon district and the subsequent incident that followed in Mon town, Kronu, stated that the Cabinet was briefed on the actions taken by the government including setting up of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by an IGP and consisting of four other members.
He informed that the Cabinet has decided that the SIT should complete its investigation and submit its report by one month time.
He also stated that the Cabinet has decided to support the demands put forward by the Konyak Union to the President of India.
Stating that at a time of festive seasons, the killing of 14 civilians in Mon district was unfortunate, Kronu said the law and order situation in Mon was currently under control, he however, added that all must work together for a solution with all seriousness so that all live in peace.
With regard to the ongoing Hornbill Festival 2021, Kronu stated that the Cabinet has decided to cease all activates in view of the mourning announced for the deceased in the firing incidents.
“The Cabinet also decided to appeal to all elected representatives, Government employees and others to support entrepreneurs who have set up stalls for the Hornbill festival by actively purchasing the items sold by them”, he added.
The Cabinet has directed that a simple and solemn closing ceremony should be held on December 10 by the Tourism Department.
On the condition of the injured persons, the Minister said two persons are critical and admitted at a hospital in Dibrugarh, while six persons are admitted in CHISR, Dimapur, and 22 persons have already been discharged.
Asked on how the incident would impact the ongoing “Naga Political talks”, Kronu said, the Core Committee on Naga Political Issue (CCNPI) was planning to meet on December 9, wherein Assam Chief Minister and North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) Chairman, Himanta Biswa Sarma, is also likely to be a part of the meeting.
Minister, Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, said the state government can only appeal to the central government to repeal the AFSPA.
He further added that irrespective of the party line, they have chosen to appeal to the government of India through a right process to build reassurance of the people of the state by repealing the Act.
