After Nagaland, Center extends AFSPA in Assam for Six months

Guwahati: The Assam government has extended the scope of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in four districts of the state for another six months from April 01.
A notification issued by the Political Department of the Government of Assam has confirmed the extension of the “disturbed area” tag under AFSPA to Tansukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo and Sivasagar districts.
The Assam Police report indicates an overall improvement in the law and order situation across the state apart from the continued presence of a militant outfit in these four districts.
Following the Assam government’s proposal, the Union Home Ministry decided to maintain the existing “status quo” regarding the “disturbed area” classification for another six months.
Acting as directed by the Centre, the Assam Government has extended the implementation of the Act till September 30, 2024.
Under the AFSPA, security forces are empowered to conduct operations and make arrests without a prior warrant, providing them with a certain level of legal immunity in case of unforeseen events during the operation.
AFSPA was recently extended in Assam for a period of six months from 1 October 2023, ending on 31 March.
During the previous extension, AFSPA was removed from Jorhat, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts of Assam.
Earlier, the Act was repealed from the entire state of Assam, except nine districts and a sub-division of Cachar district, with effect from 1 April 2022.
Since November 1990, Assam has been designated as a “disturbed area” under AFSPA, with periodic extensions of six months.