New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI) Expressing concern over the killing of civilians in Nagaland last year, NPP MP Agatha Sangama on Friday demanded that the Centre should repeal the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from the Northeastern states.

The Meghalaya MP raised the issue of repeal of AFPSA while participating in the discussion on Motion of Thanks to President's Address.

Also Read | Republic Day 2022: DD YouTube Network Garnered More Views Than Its TV Network, Says Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Sangma said the repeal of AFPSA from the Northeast would help in preventing the "unfortunate incident" which occurred last year.

As many as 14 civilians were killed by mistake in an army operation in Nagaland in December.

Also Read | Online Fraud In Chandigarh: 83-Year-Old Retired BSF Commandant Duped Of Rs 4.34 Lakh By Cyber Fraudsters; Case Registered.

The AFPSA provides sweeping powers to armed forces to deal with the situation in disturbed areas and also impunity to personnel involved in such operations.

Sangma also demanded that Garo and Khasi languages should be included in the Eight Schedule of the Constitution.

Pallab Lochan Das (BJP) said that because of the steps taken by the Narendra Modi government, the people of the Northeast have started feeling that they are part of mainstream India.

The government, he said, has been trying to resolve the issues of the Northeast which had been pending for long.

Congress member Dean Kuraikose regretted that the President in his address to the joint sitting of the House ignored key issues facing the country.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)