In a crucial development, late on Thursday evening, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio along with deputy CM Y Patton and NPF leader TR Zeliang met union home minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is also the NEDA convenor, was also present in the meeting.
The meeting reportedly discussed the issue of ever-growing demand of repealing the armed forces special powers act (AFSPA) from the Northeast, especially Nagaland.
Demand for repeal of the ‘draconian’ AFSPA has been growing louder ever since killing of 14 innocent civilians by security forces in a botched counter-insurgency operation in Nagaland’s Mon district on December 4.
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According to reports, Amit Shah has assured the delegation of constituting a high-level committee to study the possibilities of withdrawing AFSPA from Nagaland.
The union home minister also reportedly assured the delegation of granting jobs to the one member each of the 14 victim families soon.
Reports also claim that the commandos of the 21 Para special forces involved in the killing of innocent Naga civilians in the botched counter-insurgency operation will be placed under suspension.
The Indian Army has already ordered a court of inquiry headed by an officer of major general rank into the Nagaland firing incident in which 14 civilians were killed.
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The Nagaland Assembly, on Monday had “unanimously resolved” to demand the Centre for repeal of AFSPA from the Northeast.
“The Nagaland Legislative Assembly unanimously resolves to demand that the Government of India repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from the Northeast and especially Nagaland,” the resolution moved by chief minister Neiphiu Rio read.