The Northeast Students’ Organisation (NESO) will be holding protests across the northeastern parts of the country on December 9, demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). The protests have been called in light of the Nagaland firing incident in which 14 civilians were killed during an anti-insurgency operation by the security forces. NESO is the largest student body in the northeast.

On Sunday, the organisation issued a statement condemning the incident which resulted in the deaths of civilians in the Mon district of Nagaland.

“It is to be mentioned that the armed forces have been operating in NE with impunity and they are further emboldened with the imposition of a Draconian Law known as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 (AFSPA) in which the Government of India has not only refused to repeal but decided to continue the imposition of this draconian act even though there has been massive peoples movement for the repeal of this Act,” a release by NESO said.

It may be noted that NESO represents eight student bodies from across the northeastern states, namely – Garo Students’ Union (GSU), All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU), Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Twipra Students’ Federation (TSF), All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and Naga Students’ Federation.  

Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio requests HM Amit Shah to repeal AFSPA

The call for repealing AFSPA has gained steam after the Saturday incident in which the security forces reportedly opened fire on civilians due to mistaken identity. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio met Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday and requested him to roll back AFSPA 1958 from Nagaland.

“I’ve spoken to the Union Home Minister and he is taking the matter very seriously. We’ve given financial assistance to affected families. I have also urged the Centre to remove AFSPA from Nagaland as the law is a black spot on the image of the country,” he said.