Nagaland Firing: Why Meghalaya CM joined Nagaland CM to urge repeal of AFSPA

The Chief Ministers of Nagaland and Meghalaya have joined the growing chorus from the region to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act following death of more than a dozen civilians in Mon district of Nagaland. AFSPA provides protection to armed forces for killings in disturbed areas. Meghalaya chief minister Congrad Sangma said that the ‘draconian law’ has been counterproductive and should be withdrawn. Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio said that “AFSPA is damaging the image of our country which is the world’s largest democracy.” Rio was speaking at the funeral services for the dead civilians, in Mon district on Monday. Both Rio and Sangma are part of the BJP led NDA that is in power in the two states and at the Centre.