November 21, 2024

AFSPA: Chargesheet Against Forces Personnel Is A Good Step

By Our Editorial Team
First publised on 2022-06-14 05:24:47

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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.