Hundreds of people have walked 70km (43 miles) in India’s northeast to demand the repeal of a controversial act that grants special powers to Indian troops, following a deadly incident last month when soldiers killed over a dozen civilians.
They began their protest in Dimapur, a city in Nagaland state, and walked to Kohima, the state’s capital, raising slogans against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
The act gives the military sweeping powers to search, arrest and even shoot suspects with little fear of prosecution. Human rights groups have long accused security forces of abusing the law.
Many joined for stretches along the route, wearing traditional attire and holding placards.
