Guwahati: Even as the Centre formed a committee to investigate if the disputed Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) might be withdrawn, partially or totally, from Nagaland, the public in the state will begin a two-day march on Monday asking that the “draconian” law be completely repealed.
The “March Against AFSPA” will begin in the commercial capital of Dimapur and end in Piphema, where it will spend the night. The next day, it will resume and continue until it reaches Kohima, the state capital, where a memorandum will be presented to the Governor.
“In our country, or anywhere else, the gun-toting soldiers cannot be allowed a free hand. Many crimes have been committed under the cover of AFSPA. The slaughter of civilians at Oting serves as a stark reminder of how this heinous act is carried out “The intended march would be led by Kevitho Kera, a social activist and businessman, according to The New Indian Express.
“We also remember all of the victims of security forces atrocities in the past. The Oting event has enraged the public. The problem would not be solved by lifting the AFSPA in part “he stated
According to the activist, anyone may join the march from anywhere and leave at any time. It is being organized by the general population, not by any organizations. Kera stated that the public has taken centre stage.
Thanks to a banner on the intended march that has gone viral on social media, people are becoming closer to one another.
The government has issued new COVID guidelines, requesting that the number of participants be limited to 200. However, the public’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. We can’t tell how many people will attend, but we anticipate a large attendance. People from all around Nagaland have expressed an interest in joining us “added the activist.
He stated that the Piphema Village Council will arrange for the participants’ lodging at a school.
Because it is a nonviolent march, the organizers asked that participants listen to authorities and refrain from engaging in any aggressive behaviour. They were also told not to show their displeasure by heckling or harassing military troops on duty or disrupting military convoys.
Sleeping bags, toiletries, lamps, and other required equipment and accessories will be carried by the participants. In the event of an emergency, an ambulance will be dispatched.
The Nagaland government had formed a special investigative team (SIT) to look into the Oting event previously. On January 5, the SIT missed the one-month deadline for finishing the inquiry. According to official sources, the investigation is still ongoing.