Centre likely to partially lift AFSPA from Nagaland soon

GUWAHATI, Dec 25
The Union Home Ministry is likely to explore the possibility of partially lifting the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Nagaland and some other Northeastern States.
The move follows after Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a late-night meeting with the Assam and Nagaland Chief Ministers on Thursday, the New Indian Express reported.
If the Act is lifted even partially from Nagaland, it will be a first in the history of the tribal State.
As per a report, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton and former CM TR Zeliang were unanimous in their opposition to the AFSPA.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma however has favored the continuation of the Act in his State.
Shah reportedly told Rio and the others that if the AFSPA were to be lifted even partially, the modalities would have to be worked out and the state police would have to shoulder more responsibilities in maintaining law and order. The Home Minister is likely to brief Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the talks before a final call is taken on the matter. The Centre will have to take a call before December 31 when the notification of the disturbed area, which enables AFSPA, will expire in Nagaland. NE Now