Kohima, Apr 8: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Monday strongly condemned the Central government’s decision to extend the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in parts of Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh for another six months.

In an official statement, NSF president Medovi Rhi and assistant general secretary Kenilo Kent termed the extension a “blatant affront” to the dignity, rights, and democratic aspirations of the Naga people. They described the move as “unjust and regressive,” asserting that it fails to reflect the prevailing ground realities.

“The continued designation of our ancestral land as a ‘disturbed area’ under AFSPA beginning April 1 is deeply concerning,” the federation stated. “The Naga people have consistently advocated for peace and political resolution through dialogue and non-violence.”

On March 30, the Ministry of Home Affairs extended AFSPA in the entire state of Manipur, except for 13 police station jurisdictions. In Nagaland, the Act now covers eight districts and 21 police station areas in five other districts. In Arunachal Pradesh, it remains applicable in Tirap, Changlang, Longding, and parts of Namsai district.

The NSF further alleged that the Act has caused “untold pain, trauma, and fear” among countless Naga families, and reiterated its demand for the complete repeal of AFSPA from all Naga-inhabited areas.

AFSPA provides special powers and legal immunity to armed forces operating in areas designated as ‘disturbed’, a provision that has faced longstanding criticism from human rights organizations and civil society groups in the Northeast.