Naga Hoho, the apex tribal body in Nagaland, asked the central government on Wednesday to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958, from the North East region at the earliest, reported PTI. AFSPA gives the army unbridled power and protection in conflict-ridden states and has been criticised for its widespread misuse.

"The successive governments, irrespective of political parties, in Delhi always decide to remain a mute spectator, ever since the enactment of the draconian laws," stated a release issued by the Naga Hoho media cell in Kohima. It further added that Naga people were surprised when the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh reportedly declared its support for extension and continuation of AFSPA in the North East and Jammu and Kashmir regions. "The Centre should plan for phase-wise extensive training of state police. Till then, the Army may be deployed, and they should remain armed with AFSPA," read an editorial piece in the weekly Organiser.

AFSPA, as a precursor to the Maintenance of Internal Security Act, was used extensively before and during the Emergency. These Acts protect individuals representing the state when they commit murder, as they facilitate detaining, harassing and killing civilians based on mere suspicion of personnel in the forces.