SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People’s Party (NPP) National President Conrad K. Sangma has reiterated his long-standing opposition to the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), describing it as a “draconian law” that must be repealed.
Speaking on the issue, Sangma stated that both he and his party have consistently maintained their stance against AFSPA for over two decades, stressing that there are alternative ways to ensure law and order and safeguard national security without resorting to such legislation.
He acknowledged that maintaining law and order and ensuring national security remain critical priorities, but emphasized that these objectives must be achieved without granting excessive powers that could compromise the safety and rights of citizens.
“There are many other ways to achieve law and order and national security while ensuring that people remain safe and that agencies are not given a free hand,” he said, underlining the need for a balanced approach.
The Chief Minister further called on the government to explore and implement more balanced legal frameworks that can effectively address security concerns while protecting civil liberties.
Reaffirming his position, Sangma noted that his opposition to AFSPA is not recent but has remained unchanged for the past 25 years, reflecting a consistent political and ideological stand on the issue.
