Killings expose special powers of Indian security forces

Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of the northeastern state of Nagaland, places a wreath on a coffin during a mass funeral of civilians who were mistakenly killed by security forces (Reuters)

NEW DELHI, DEC 6 (REUTERS) - Chief ministers of two Indian border states on Monday called for the withdrawal of a law that gives armed forces special powers to operate in some northeastern regions affected by insurgencies.

The push to repeal the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, known as the AFSPA, came after Indian security forces killed 13 civilians in Nagaland on Saturday in an apparent case of mistaken identity.

A similar law is also in force in the disputed northern region of Jammu and Kashmir, where an armed insurgency against New Delhi has raged since the 1990s. Once government authorities declare any part as a “disturbed area”, the AFSPA permits armed forces personnel above a certain rank to use force after due warning “even to the causing of death”.

The law allows the personnel to make arrests, including on the basis of reasonable suspicion, and enter and search any premises - both without warrant.