December 27, 2021: After 14 civilians died earlier this month in a botched operation by the army in Mon district and the retaliatory violence triggered by the incident in Nagaland’s Mon district, the Union government on Sunday instituted a high-level committee chaired by a Secretary-level officer to examine the possibility of withdrawing the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Nagaland.

The committee will submit its report within 45 days and the withdrawal of AFSPA will be based on its recommendations.

A press statement signed by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy CM Yanthungo Patton and Naga People’s Front Legislature Party leader TR Zeliang said the decision to set up the committee was taken in a meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on December 23.

Informing this Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio tweeted,"Briefed the media with regard to the meeting chaired by Hon'ble @HMOIndia Shri @AmitShah on Dec' 23, 2021 in New Delhi. Grateful to Amit Shah ji for taking up the matter with utmost seriousness. The State Govt. appeals to all sections to continue to maintain a peaceful atmosphere."

At the meeting, which was also attended by Himanta Biswa Sarma -- the Assam Chief Minister and the BJP's pointsperson in the northeast -- it was also decided that the committee will be comprise Centre and stae government officials and the state police.