To Whom It May Concern,

We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the continued use of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) of 1958 in Nagaland and other northeastern states of India. The AFSPA is a draconian law that gives sweeping powers to the armed forces, including the power to use lethal force, arrest without warrant, and destroy property.

The AFSPA was first enacted by the British colonial government in the 1800s to suppress Indian nationalist movements. After India's independence, the Indian government continued to use the law in conflict zones, including Nagaland and Manipur. The law has been associated with widespread human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and rape.

We are particularly concerned about the impact of the AFSPA on the Naga people, who have been subjected to its provisions for over six decades. It is estimated that over 300,000 lives have been affected by the law in Nagaland alone, leading to a culture of fear, intimidation, and violence.

We believe that the continued use of the AFSPA is a violation of the fundamental human rights of the Naga people and goes against the principles of democracy and justice. We urge the Indian government to take immediate steps to repeal this law and engage in meaningful dialogue with affected communities and civil society organizations to address their concerns.

We also call upon the international community to support our petition and put pressure on the Indian government to repeal the AFSPA and ensure that the human rights of the Naga people are respected and protected.

We believe that a just and peaceful solution to the conflict in Nagaland can only be achieved through dialogue, respect for human rights, and the rule of law. We therefore call upon the Indian government to take immediate action to repeal the AFSPA and work towards a just and peaceful resolution.

Sincerely,

Naga-American Council