Kohima Jan 26 PTI The Centre is considering Nagalands demand of removal of AFSPA from the state Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said on Wednesday expressing hope for a positive decisionAddressing the Republic Day function at the Civil Secretariat here Rio said the Special Investigation Team SIT formed to probe the killing of 14 civilians by security forces in Mon has made good progressWe are taking every measure to lessen the pain of the family members who lost their near and dear ones as well as of all those who suffered injuries he saidWe are sure that justice will be delivered to the families he addedFollowing the Mon killings the state cabinet decided to take up with the Centre the immediate repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act AFSPA 1958 while a resolution was passed in the assembly on December 20 in this regard Rio saidThe state government has taken up with the Centre the matter of removal of AFSPA from Nagaland he saidThe central government is considering the matter and we are hopeful of a positive decision soon Rio said Maintaining that negotiations between the Naga Political Groups and the Centre over the political issue have been going on in a cordial atmosphere to find a solution the chief minister said all MLAs have come together and formed an opposition-less government to convey to the negotiating parties that the state expects an honorable inclusive and acceptable solutionWe will continue to facilitate and be hopeful of an early solution he saidRio said ensuring good governance and bringing it to the doorstep of every person has been the endeavor of his governmentWe took another step towards this end by creating three new districts Tseminyu Niuland and Chumoukedima in December 2021 and Shamator District in January 2022 he said The chief minister urged the people to continue adhering to COVID-appropriate behaviour as he took the booster dose of vaccine just after the functionRio said Nagaland which is nearing six decades as a state has been capably marching shoulder to shoulder with all the other states of the Union and contributing in strengthening the nationDespite the call for non-participation in the Republic Day celebrations by the Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation and the Naga Students Federation over the Mon killings the celebrations went off peacefully an official saidAltogether 13 marching contingents from different security forces and NCC participated in the Republic Day paradeSeveral awards were presented during the function while cultural performances by TaFMA Department of Women Resource Development 37th Battalion of BSF and troupes of Angami Rengma Lotha and Sumi enthralled the gathering PTI NBS SOM SOM