Below is an article published by the Assam Tribune

Some members of the Facebook group, The Naga Blog (TNB), took to the streets in Kohima and Dimapur, demanding repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). They also condemned the alleged assault of some youths by the Assam Rifles in Kiphire. Converging at the junction near the police headquarters in Kohima town yesterday the members silently marched till the TCP Gate holding placards and banners.

The TNB members also expressed solidarity with the victims of the assault but also conveyed the message that “violence is not the solution” as it only leads to more violence.

“We are here to condemn the act of the Assam Rifles who assaulted our young brothers in Kiphire which ultimately led to the unfortunate incident,” administrator of TNB Yanpvuo Kikon said, while highlighting the purpose of the silent protest.

“Most importantly, we are not here to spread the hatred, animosity or incite anti-national feelings but we are here to spread the message of peace, unity, rationality, harmony, integration and brotherhood,” he asserted. Also condemning the imposition of the draconian law ‘AFSPA’, he said “AFSPA is nothing but a blood stain tarnishing the colours of democracy in the country”.

The TNB members also appealed for repealing of such anti-democratic law while expressing that the army is supposed to protect us and fight our enemy, not our citizens.

They held placards which read “AFSPA is a mockery of Indian democracy”, “Repeal AFSPA”, “AFSPA is an insult to fundamental rights”. Youth organisations of Officers’ HillColony and D’Block as well as leaders of Angami Students’ Union joined the peaceful protest.

The TNB members appealed to the Nagaland Governor, Chief Minister and the two MPs, in concurrence with the recent United Nations’ appeal to the Indian government, to seek repeal of the draconian Act.

“We shall take this march together keeping in mind the oppressed people of NE and people of J&K,” Kikon said.

In Dimapur, the Naga Blog members gathered at Half Nagarjan Junction and marched to the City Tower carrying placards and shouting slogans against the AFSPA.