Guwahati: The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act or AFSPA was extended in four districts of Assam for six months in view of the “recent disturbances” in Bangladesh and its potentially inimical effect on the internal law and order situation.
According to a notification issued on Tuesday, the districts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo and Sivasagar will remain “disturbed area” under the AFSPA.
“Reports obtained from various agencies through the Assam police headquarters have indicated due to sustained efforts and proactive counter-insurgency measures of the security forces, the overall scenario in the state of Assam has significantly improved during the last few years and particularly during last three years,” the notification said.
“However, due to the recent disturbances in the neighbouring country Bangladesh and its potentially inimical effect on internal law and order situation, the Government of Assam recommends that the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act, 1958 may be retained for another 6 (six) months,” it added.
The notification said the Assam government had submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in this regard and the MHA after due consideration decided to maintain the “status quo” regarding disturbed areas in Assam for a further period of six months from October 1.
The four districts have been the only areas under AFSPA in the state since October last year.
It was withdrawn from Jorhat, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao last year, while other areas were taken out of its purview earlier.
The AFSPA was first imposed in Assam in November 1990 and has been extended every six months since then.
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The AFSPA grants special powers – to carry out operations anywhere and arrest any individual without warrant – to the Indian armed forces to maintain public order in the disturbed areas.
