AFSPA: Chargesheet Against Forces Personnel Is A Good Step
The India Commentary view
View all posts by this Author
By Our Editorial Team
First publised on 2022-06-14 05:24:47
About the Author
The India Commentary view
View all posts by this Author
The
continued existence of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the
states in the North-East has resulted in intense protests by the local
population. These protests has intensified in Nagaland after six civilians were
killed in a botched operation which involved a case of mistaken identity when
special forces personnel of 21 Para fired at a jeep which was carrying
civilians in December 2021. More people were killed in the protests that followed. The state government had appointed Special
Investigation team (SIT) to investigate the entire episode. The SIT has now
filed a chargesheet against 30 personnel of the 21 Para in the matter.
While this
is a good step as it is clear that despite SOP ratified by the Supreme Court to
prevent the misuse of AFSPA, these are flouted in crisis situation. Given the
sensitive nature of the operation, the special forces must take all precautions
before attacking and this was missing in the Nagaland case. But the filing of
the chargesheet is just the first step. The government and the Army must now
decide the line of further action and ensure that those involved are punished
as per law. A closure to this case that ensures that justice is delivered will
be the best way to assuage feelings in the state, and in the region.
Although
the Centre had subsequently removed AFSPA from many areas in Nagaland, Manipur
and Assam, the Nagaland episode still rankles across the region. Hence, it is
necessary that the government generates enough goodwill by punishing, as per
law, those involved in the botched up operation to conclude a lasting peace
accord in Nagaland. That would also help in gaining an upper hand against
militancy and create the situation for the complete removal of AFSPA from the
region.
