Guwahati, September 27 (IANS) Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) will remain in force in three upper Assam districts for one and six months – Tinsukia, Grando, and Shivsagar – According to a new official notification released on Saturday, effective from 1 October.
The Assam government had urged the Center to consider these districts as “troubled areas” under the Act, citing security concerns and the need for continuous vigilance.
Working on this recommendation, the Union Home Ministry approved the expansion, which will now be valid till 31 March, 2026.
Officials said that there has been a continuous improvement in security in Assam in recent years due to continuous per-sub-measures and initiatives taken by both state and central forces.
However, the only remaining active rebellious organization-report is done in the state-state-state-the-state, which incorporated the processed United Liberation Front-Independent (ULFA-I).
Additionally, security agencies flagged off the movement of NSCN cadres through these districts, especially for extortion, recruitment and other secret activities.
AFSPA was originally implemented in Assam on the night of 27–28 November 1990, and since then has been renewed after half an annual reviews from time to time.
In April 2022, the Act was removed from most parts of the state, but a subdivision of nine districts and catcher remained under its purview.
In the last two years, it has been slowly withdrawn from six districts, which is still covered with its provisions except Tinsukia, Chariyado and Shivasagar.
The law gives wide powers to the security forces, allowing them to search, operate, operate, operate, and arrest suspects without pre -warrant, in addition to giving them legal immunity for action taken during duty.
While the government justifies its continuity on security grounds, civil society groups, human rights defenders and opposition parties have continuously invited the Northeast for their complete dismissal, alleging extensive misuse and violation of human rights.
For now, the expansion ensures that the security forces will continue to work with special powers in these three districts of Upper Assam for the next six months.
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TR/P