AFSPA removed from major parts of Assam, Nagaland & Manipur

March 31: The Central government has decided to remove the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from certain districts in Nagaland, Assam and Manipur. Sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs said the withdrawal will come into effect beginning April 1.

In Assam, where AFSPA has been in force since 1990, the ‘Disturbed Area’ tag will be removed completely from 23 districts and partially from one district. In Manipur, where civil society organisations and activists have long fought for the law’s repeal, 15 police station areas of six districts will be excluded from the purview of the act. The Disturbed Area Notification is being withdrawn from 15 police stations in seven districts in Nagaland with effect from April 1.

Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted, “In a significant step, GoI under the decisive leadership of PM Shri @NarendraModi Ji has decided to reduce disturbed areas under Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the states of Nagaland, Assam and Manipur after decades.” The Home Minister further stated, “Reduction in areas under AFSPA is a result of the improved security situation and fast-tracked development due to the consistent efforts and several agreements to end insurgency and bring lasting peace in North East by PM Narendra Modi.”

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday welcomed the Centre’s decision to withdraw the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 completely from 23 districts and partially from one district of the state.

I wholeheartedly welcome Adarniya PM Shri @narendramodi ji's decision to withdraw AFSPA from all areas of Assam barring 9 dists & 1 subdivn.
Also convey my gratitude to HM Shri @AmitShah ji for this great move. Around 60% of State’s area will now be free from AFSPA’s purview. 1/3

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) March 31, 2022

However, the Act will be in operation in 9 districts and one subdivision. The districts are- Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao and Lakhipur sub-division of Cachar district. The state of Assam was declared as Disturbed Area in the intervening night of November 27-28, 1990 under AFSPA to combat insurgency in the state.