Farmers’ protest to snooping scandal: 2021, the year that was in politics

Thirteen civilians were shot dead by Assam Rifles personnel in Nagaland’s Mon district on the evening of December 5. In a case of “mistaken identity”, the personnel purportedly opened fire on the civilians, assuming them to be insurgents. As protests against the incident spread like wildfire, Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed regret over the killing. The incident triggered fresh demands for the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which gives sweeping powers to security forces in the Northeastern state. In a mark of solidarity, Nagaland’s famous Hornbill Festival, held in December every year, was cancelled.