Chief ministers of north-eastern states lead renewed calls for AFSPA repeal

The killings of 14 civilians in army firing in Nagaland's Mon has led to renewed calls of repealing Armed Forces Special Powers Act from north-eastern states of India.

Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio, whose party is in alliance with the BJP in the state, told media on Monday morning that he asked the Modi govt to repeal AFSPA from Nagaland.

He later tweeted that Nagaland and the Naga people have always opposed AFSPA and it should be repealed.

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Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma also made a strong appeal for the withdrawal of the act and wrote 'AFSPA should be repealed'. Sangma's party is also a BJP ally in the state.

AFSPA provides the defence services and the central paramilitary forces special powers to conduct operations in 'disturbed areas', including arresting people without warrant and opening fire. It also gives them immunity against any prosecution for such actions.