New Delhi: Some positive development can be expected soon regarding the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) during this year in the state, said Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The Chief Minister also said that “certain positive developments” regarding the Act would also take place in the neighbouring state of Nagaland too, where it was in force, PTI reported.
He said, “With militancy on the wane the Army has virtually withdrawn from Assam, except from five-six districts and when AFSPA comes up for renewal after four months the state government will take a pragmatic decision.”
The Armed Forces Special Powers Act gives sweeping power to the security forces to operate freely in anywhere that has been declared a "disturbed area." The Act gives immunity to any military personnel working in such an area where AFSPA has been invoked from persecution until sanctioned by the Centre.
The Act was imposed in Assam in November 1990 and has been extended by six months since then after review by the Central government.
Himanta also said that the Assam Government has decided to rationalise the deployment of Personal Security Officers so that they do not become a status for individuals and politicians. He also said that the facilities provided by the government for accommodation and security cover to former chief ministers at par with the incumbent chief minister would also be removed, barring the ex-chief minister of the state.
“We have decided to have a new policy for deployment of PSOs in the state. Except for those in constitutional posts or in positions which require security cover, there will be screening by a security review committee for allotting PSOs,” he said during a press conference after the year’s first cabinet meeting.