Guwahati: The Nagaland government stated on Sunday that a committee will be created soon to investigate the state’s withdrawal from the AFSPA. Union Home Minister Amit Shah presided over a meeting on December 23 that decided on the formation of the committee.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and TR Zeliang, head of the Naga People’s Front Legislature Party (NPFLP), were also present during the meeting.
The discussion was held to address the current situation in Nagaland, particularly after Armed Forces killed some people in a botched anti-militancy operation on December 4.
On December 4, at least14 villagers and one soldier were murdered in a counter-insurgency operation in Nagaland’s Mon district’s Oting village. In two separate episodes of shooting, security officers opened fire on civilians. In the ensuing violence, one soldier was also killed.
The committee will be led by the Ministry of Home Affairs’ extra secretary (North East), Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio said.
The committee will present a report in 45 days, after which the withdrawal of troubled areas and the implementation of AFSPA in Nagaland will begin.
In addition, disciplinary actions against the Army unit engaged in the Oting incident will be initiated by a court of inquiry. Until then, all army personnel who are being investigated will be suspended.
The government will also provide employment to the relatives of those killed in the Oting disaster.
Briefed the media with regard to the meeting chaired by Hon'ble @HMOIndia Shri @AmitShah on Dec' 23, 2021 in New Delhi. Grateful to Amit Shah ji for taking up the matter with utmost seriousness. The State Govt. appeals to all sections to continue to maintain a peaceful atmosphere pic.twitter.com/a8CLuw3MM6
— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) December 26, 2021