Agatha Sangma Demands Repeal Of AFPSA

Agatha Sangma said the repeal of AFPSA from the Northeast would help in preventing the “unfortunate incident” which occurred in Nagaland last year (PTI)

Expressing concern over the killing of civilians in Nagaland last year, NPP MP Agatha Sangama on Friday demanded that the Centre should repeal the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from the Northeastern states.

The Meghalaya MP raised the issue of repeal of AFPSA while participating in a discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President for his address to both Houses of Parliament.

Sangma said the repeal of AFPSA from the Northeast would help in preventing the “unfortunate incident” which occurred last year.

As many as 14 civilians were killed by mistake in an army operation in Nagaland in December.

The AFPSA provides sweeping powers to armed forces to deal with the situation in disturbed areas and also impunity to personnel involved in such operations.

Sangma also demanded that Garo and Khasi languages should be included in the Eight Schedule of the Constitution.

“Since this is 50 years of our statehood, it will be very symbolic and historic if the Central government accepts the long-pending demand for including the Garo and Khasi languages in the eighth schedule of the Constitution,” she said.

Sangma reiterated her demand that the government give up plans to increase the production of palm oil by encouraging, especially in the North East, the growth of oil palm. “The North East has 23% of India’s forest cover, and it can act as a carbon sink for India, instead of becoming a hub for oil palm,” she said, asking the government to rethink the plan.