AFSPA in some parts of State

Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma on Friday informed the assembly that the Armed Forces Special Power Act was in force in certain parts of the state.

Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma on Friday informed the assembly that the Armed Forces Special Power Act was in force in certain parts of the state.

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"(The AFSPA is in force) within 20 km wide belt along the border with the state of Assam which is declared as ‘disturbed area’ by the Government of India," the chief minister said in a written answer to an unstarred question in the assembly today.

Sangma further informed the house that joint counter-insurgency operations are conducted in consultation with the state police, except in case of "hot chase", when prior consultation is not feasible.

Expressing concern of the prevalence of the AFSPA, NCP MLA James Sangma termed it as a "draconian act" and asked for its immediate repeal from the state.

He urged the state government to take a re-look into the matter adding that various human rights violations have taken place due to the Act, especially in Manipur.

James asked for "some other law" to replace the AFSPA.