Afspa extended in 4 Assam districts, withdrawn from 4 others

GUWAHATI: The controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1952, (Afspa), has been lifted from four of Assam’s eight districts where it was in force while being extended in the remaining four.

The act has been lifted in Jorhat, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao. It has been extended in Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Sivasagar and Charaideo for six more months from October 1 (Sunday).

The Himanta Biswa Sarma-led BJP government had recently recommended complete withdrawal of Afspa but as the four districts are still witnessing militant activities of the outlawed Ulfa over the decades, they will continue to have the “disturbed areas” status, resulting in the enforcement of Afspa.

DGP GP Singh said as Assam is going through a peaceful stage after witnessing a volatile past during the last three to four decades, the act has been withdrawn from most of the districts. He gave credit for the peaceful environment to the concerted efforts of state police, Army and CAPF for the last 30 to 40 years.

“Today, peace prevails in Assam. It’s good news that as of today, except for four districts, Afspa has been removed from the whole of Assam. The Disturbed Areas Act has been removed outside of these four districts too,” he said.