DIMAPUR, April 1: The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has strongly opposed the Indian government’s decision to extend the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for another six months in the “Naga homeland,” calling it “completely unacceptable.”

The forum, in a press release issued on Tuesday, condemned AFSPA as a fundamentally anti-democratic and anti-people law, arguing that its continuous renewal over the past 67 years is unjustifiable—politically, legally, or morally.

The GNF criticized the normalization of AFSPA’s periodic extension, stating that such a practice is “unconscionable and universally condemnable.” The organization pointed out that the ongoing ceasefire between Naga political groups and the Government of India (GoI) has resulted in peace and the suspension of armed conflict in the region for years. However, instead of fostering a lasting peace by repealing the colonial-era law as a goodwill gesture, the GoI has continued to impose AFSPA, effectively making it a permanent reality for Naga civilians.

“AFSPA has come to represent, for the vast majority of Nagas, the Indian State’s unending repression of the Naga people in their own homeland through military oppression and intimidation,” the forum stated.

The GNF raised a pointed question for the Indian government: “Does India truly care about the legitimate aspirations and concerns of the Nagas—the long-cherished Naga desire as a people for lasting peace and a dignified future? Is the Indian government committed to justice for the Nagas by fostering genuine dialogue to reach a negotiated peaceful settlement without AFSPA hanging over our heads and haunting our lands?”

The forum further asserted that the extension of AFSPA undermines the spirit of the ceasefire, contradicts the principles of democratic governance, and blatantly disregards the aspirations of the Naga people.

In addition to its strong stance against AFSPA, the GNF also criticized the re-imposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) on foreign visitors entering Nagaland. Describing it as a regressive move, the forum demanded that the restriction be revoked immediately.

The forum highlighted that the PAP and Restricted Area Permit (RAP) create unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles that discourage international visitors, researchers, and well-wishers from exploring the cultural heritage, hospitality, and natural beauty of the Naga homeland.

“The RAP is yet another colonial-era relic that isolates the Naga people and restricts opportunities for cultural exchange, economic growth, and international awareness of the Naga struggle,” the statement read.

The GNF argued that the continuation of these restrictions hampers tourism and investment, depriving the region of essential development and global engagement. “We therefore strongly urge the Government of India to lift the RAP restrictions with immediate effect,” the forum demanded.

With its latest appeal, the GNF reaffirmed its commitment to the Naga people’s right to justice, peace, and self-determination, urging the Indian government to reconsider its policies and uphold democratic principles in the region.