Extension of Disturbed Area status in Nagaland opposed

KOHIMA: The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) today condemned the extension of Disturbed Area status for another year in Nagaland and appealed to the central government to immediately revoke the decision.

NSF president Tongpang Ozukum and general secretary Esther Rhakho in a statement here denounced the extension of 'Disturbed Area' status for another year in Nagaland under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

Stating that in order to declare an area as 'Disturbed' there must be a grave law and order situation, the NSF said there was no such law and order problem in Nagaland.

"If the Government of India is serious about maintaining peace in the region, it should encourage people to people communication instead of forcefully enforcing the AFSPA," the NSF said.

The NSF therefore urged upon the Centre to remove the 'Disturbed Area' tag from Nagaland, the statement said.

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification extending Disturbed Area status under AFSPA for a period of one year with effect from the 30th June.