Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today called for the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act as he paid rich tributes to the 14 villagers killed in firing by security forces in the state’s Mon district.
Terming the act as draconian, Rio said there is no room for such laws in a democratic country like India.
Rio also said that those killed in the ambush were innocent people and that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Chief Minister Rio also said that he has raised the issue of removal of AFSPA with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Rio informed that the Centre has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 11 lakh each for the family members of the deceased besides allotting one member from each family a government job.
Later interacting with the media, chief minister Rio reiterated his stand on AFSPA.
It may be mentioned that the funeral services for those killed in the Mon firing incident was held at the Helipad Ground Mon.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, several other ministers along with top officials of the state attended the funeral ceremony.
Post the funeral service at Mon Helipad Ground, the mortal remains of the deceased were taken to their respective villages.
