GG News Bureau
Guwahati, 9th Oct. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) has been extended for six more months in four districts of Assam—Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, and Sivasagar—citing “recent disturbances” in Bangladesh that could negatively impact internal law and order, according to an official notification released on Tuesday.
The notification said that the recent developments in the neighboring country could have an “inimical effect” on Assam’s stability. Based on reports from various agencies and the police headquarters, the Assam government recommended retaining the AFSPA in these areas, highlighting improvements in the state’s security situation due to “sustained efforts and proactive counter-insurgency measures” over the past three years.
Despite progress in the overall security situation in Assam, the ongoing concerns related to instability in Bangladesh led to the state’s recommendation for maintaining AFSPA in these districts. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) approved this proposal, agreeing to maintain the “status quo” for another six months from October 1, as per the notification.
Gradual Rollback, But Continued Concerns
These four districts are the only regions in Assam still under AFSPA since October last year, as the law has been gradually withdrawn from other parts of the state. In 2022, the Act was lifted from Jorhat, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao, among other regions. However, the government’s decision to keep AFSPA in place in these districts reflects ongoing concerns about regional stability.
AFSPA, first imposed in Assam in November 1990, grants security forces the authority to conduct operations, make arrests without warrants, and offers them a degree of immunity in operations. While the Act is seen as crucial for maintaining security, it has faced backlash from civil society groups and human rights activists, who argue that it violates human rights and empowers security forces excessively.
Renewed Calls for Repeal
The demand for repealing AFSPA has gained momentum over the years, particularly after the tragic incident in Nagaland’s Mon district on December 4, 2021, when 14 civilians lost their lives during a security operation gone wrong. Activists and regional leaders have urged the complete withdrawal of what they call a “draconian law” from the entire Northeast.
However, the Assam government and security forces argue that given the region’s complexities and cross-border threats, maintaining AFSPA in select areas is essential for ensuring safety and stability. The extension in these four districts reflects the balancing act between regional security concerns and the demands for more human rights oversight in the enforcement of AFSPA.
The post AFSPA Extended in 4 Assam Districts Amid Concerns Over Bangladesh Disturbances appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates.
