New Delhi: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has welcomed central government’s decision to reduce disturbed areas under Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) saying that “now around 60% of State’s area will be free from AFSPA’s purview.”
“I wholeheartedly welcome the decision of PM Modi to withdraw AFSPA from all areas of Assam barring 9 districts & 1 sub-division. I also convey our deep gratitude to HM Shah for this bold decision. Now around 60% of the State's area will be free from AFSPA’s purview,” said Assam CM, quoted by news agency ANI.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday announced that the government has decided to reduce disturbed areas under AFSPA in the North Eastern states of Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland.
READ HERE: Govt To Reduce Disturbed Areas Under AFSPA In Assam, Nagaland, Manipur: Amit Shah
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also welcomed the move and termed it as a “historic decision”.
“The reduction of the AFSPA area in the Northeast is a historic decision. A lot of steps have been taken by HM and PM. Arunachal Pradesh had removed AFSPA long back except in 3 districts. This decision shows that the era of peace has arrived in the Northeast,” Rijiju said.
Union Minister and Rajya Sabha member from Assam, Sarbanad Sonowal also welcomed the move by the government saying "reduction in areas under AFSPA will further create a conducive environment for fast-paced growth in the region."
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 grants special powers to the security forces to conduct operations anywhere and to arrest anyone without any prior warrant. The law has been in force in the three states — Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur — for decades and has been opposed by civil society and rights activists claiming human rights violation by the security forces.