Assam Government moves MHA seeking complete withdrawal of AFSPA

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Assam Government has moved the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to seek complete withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958, from Assam, now in force in eight districts of the state.

Recently, the state cabinet, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, took the decision that AFSPA should be withdrawn completely from the state. On the basis of this decision, the state Home & Political Department has communicated through a letter to the MHA about the Assam government’s decision to completely withdraw the Act, enclosing the cabinet decision with the letter and seeking the latter’s approval on the matter.

It is necessary to mention here that AFSPA was imposed in Assam for the first time on November 28, 1990. Since then, it has been in force in the state, with the proviso that it is extended for a further period every six months after a review of the law-and-order situation by the state government.

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, is an act of the Indian Parliament that grants special powers to the Indian Armed Forces to maintain public order in “disturbed areas”. According to the Disturbed Areas Act, 1976, once declared ‘disturbed’, the area has to maintain status quo for a minimum of 3 months.

On March 23, 2023, the state government issued a notification, which was based on a notification from the MHA, by which AFSPA was extended for another six months in eight districts of the state with effect from April 1, 2023. The eight districts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Saraideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao were declared ‘disturbed areas’ and the Act was imposed in these districts for a period of six months. That period is due to expire on September 30, 2023.

After the move from the State Government, the Ministry of Home Affairs is seeking the opinion of various central government agencies regarding the final decision on the complete withdrawal of the Act.

Moreover, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, during a recent visit to the national capital, held a discussion with Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the complete withdrawal of AFSPA from Assam.

Also Read:    Assam Cabinet Recommends Withdrawal of AFSPA and Disturbed Areas Act

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