Centre regrets 14 Nagaland civilians’ deaths in Army Operations
New Delhi : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday told Parliament the centre regrets the deaths of 14 civilians in Nagaland after a botched Army op. Amit Shah gave similar statements in both the Houses as opposition MPs kept up a steady din of protests.
"Government of India expresses regrets over the incident and condolences to those killed... a SIT has been formed and has been directed to complete investigation in a month. Situation is tense but under control. All agencies have to ensure such incidents do not happen in future," Amit Shah told the Lok Sabha. Later Mr Shah read out a similar statement in the Rajya Sabha, as opposition MPs screamed "nahi chalegi, nahi chalegi" (this won't do, this won't do).
The Opposition MPs demanded a detailed discussion as Amit Shah briefly gave his statement and then sat down in the Parliament. The Congress has also demanded PM Modi’s presence in the house.
On Monday morning Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with senior members of his cabinet, including Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, to discuss the situation and the centre's response.
The centre has been attacked over the civilians' deaths amid strong demands, including by the Nagaland and Meghalaya chief ministers that AFSPA be repealed.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio slammed the centre for extending AFSPA. "Every year the centre extends AFSPA in Nagaland, saying it is a 'disturbed area'... but all armed groups are in ceasefire and part of peace talks. So why extend it?" he asked.
"AFSPA gives immunity to them (the armed forces) ... this law is being debated even in international forums. We are the biggest democracy (and a) lot of people are demanding AFSPA to be removed," he said.
