Assam extends Armed Forces Special Powers Act by six months for security reasons

Guwahati, August 30: Giving special rights and immunity to security forces in carrying out various operations in “disturbed” areas, the Assam government on Wednesday extended the application of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in the state for six more months with immediate effect.

 

“As per powers conferred under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, the Governor of Assam has declared the entire State of Assam as ‘Disturbed Area’ up to 6 (six) months beyond 28th August 2018, unless withdrawn earlier,” an official release said. 

AFSPA was clamped in Assam in 1990. Union home minister, Rajnath Singh had stated that the security situation in Northeastern states has drastically improved.

It may be mentioned that the final draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) for the state of Assam was released on July 30, according to which 2.89 crore people have been found eligible out of the total 3.29 crore applicants. It has been noted that the extension of AFSPA is a precautionary measure to maintain the law and order in Assam during updation of NRC.

The Assam Police Special Director General has informed that currently, the situation in the state of Assam is peaceful at the moment but we will not take a decision on withdrawing AFSPA until NRC exercise is over.

The Centre had delegated to Assam and Manipur power to impose or withdraw AFSPA, which gives special powers to Army engaged in counter-insurgency operations.