Law And Order Has Improved, Confident That AFSPA Will Soon Be Revoked From Entire Assam: Amit Shah

Addressing a rally in Guwahati, Amit Shah said due to the efforts of the Centre and Chief Minister Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, most of the militant outfits had entered into peace agreements.

New Delhi: Citing improved law and order and peace accords with militant outfits, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) would soon be revoked from entire Assam. Addressing a rally in Guwahati, Amit Shah said due to the efforts of the Centre and Chief Minister Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, most of the militant outfits had entered into peace agreements and the day was not far when the entire state would be completely free from insurgency and violence.

"In the 1990s, AFSPA was implemented in Assam, it was extended seven times. After eight years of PM Modi's rule, 23 districts in the state have been made AFSPA-free while it has been removed from over 60 per cent of Assam. I am confident that it will be completely withdrawn from the entire state soon," PTI quoted Amit Shah as saying.

AFSPA, which gives sweeping powers to the security forces to maintain public order in 'disturbed areas', has been a contentious issue in the north-east states. Civil society members and activists have claimed that AFSPA gives security personnel a free hand to carry out excesses. 

Speaking about those who surrendered and returned to the mainstream, Amit Shah said they were being rehabilitated by both the Central and state governments.

"The Assam Police has a glorious history and has successfully tackled insurgency, border issues, smuggling of arms, drugs and cattle, rhino poaching and social issues like witchcraft to emerge as one of the foremost police forces of the country," Shah said. It rightly deserves to be honoured with the President's Colour, the Home Minister further said.

Earlier in the day, Shah, who is on a two-day visit to the northeastern state, awarded the Assam Police with the President's Colour in the presence of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Director General of Police Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta at the 'Alankaran Parade' ceremony.

The flag is engraved with Assam's map and 36 stars representing the districts of the state, a one-horned rhino and the insignia of Assam Police with its motto.

Assam is the 10th state in the country to receive the President's Colour, the highest honour given to any military or police unit in recognition of exceptional service rendered to the nation, both in peace and war.

(With PTI inputs)