Assam has been declared a “Disturbed Area” for six more months under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 (AFSPA).
“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Assam has declared the entire state of Assam as ‘Disturbed Area’ up to 6 (six) months beyond February 27, 2021, unless withdrawn earlier,” an official statement issued on Wednesday said.
The decision to renew the Act for six more months comes amid hectic poll campaigns across Assam by political parties ahead of the Assembly elections in Assam.
Various political parties, organisations and civil society groups and activists have been demanding the removal of the “draconian law” from the Northeast states.
The AFSPA, which allows the army and other paramilitary forces to conduct raids, and arrest anyone anywhere without prior notice or arrest warrant, has been in force in Assam since November 1990.
Security agencies and senior officials review the situation every six months to decide on its extension.
“The unified command structure comprising the army, various central paramilitary and intelligence agencies and Assam Police always closely monitor the situations and terror activities in Assam,” the official said.
By Swarnali Chakraborty
