After Nagaland, Arunachal, Centre Extends AFSPA In 4 Districts Of Assam For 6 More Months

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 gives special powers to the Indian Army to maintain peace in areas, which were considered “disturbed” by the Centre under Section 3 of the act.

The Centre on March 27 (Wednesday) extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 in four districts of the state for six more months with effect from April 1. Categorising them as 'disturbed areas' under Section 3 of the AFSPA, the centre declared that AFSPA would be extended in the areas covering districts including Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, and Sivasagar. 

The notification issued by the Government of Assam stated that the Assam Police Headquarters had submitted a report showing the improvement in the law and order situation in the state of Assam, barring one militant organisation, which was active in the four districts, where the AFSPA has now been extended. 

Following this report, the Government of Assam in Home and Political Department submitted a proposal regarding the issue to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Thereafter, the centre, after due consideration of the proposal informed the Assam government to maintain the 'status quo' regarding "disturbed areas" in the state for a further period of six months.

Centre Extends AFSPA In Arunachal Pradesh

The Centre on Thursday also extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 in parts of Arunachal Pradesh for another six months, beginning April 1. The statement issued by the centre stated that AFSPA would be extended in three districts and the areas falling under the jurisdictions of three police stations in another district of Arunachal Pradesh. These districts included Tirap, Changlang, and Longding.

Additionally, the areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai, Mahadevpur, and Chowkham police stations in the Namsai district of the state, bordering the State of Assam were also categorised under the category of "disturbed areas."

Centre Extends AFSPA In Nagaland

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification, extending the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958, in eight districts and 21 police stations across five other districts of Nagaland, declaring them as "disturbed areas." Considering the law and order situation in Nagaland, the act was extended for a period of six months starting from April 1.

The eight districts where the centre will maintain the status quo include Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Kiphire, Phek, Mon, Noklak, and Peren districts in Nagaland.

Additionally,  AFSPA has also been extended in areas falling under the jurisdiction of 21 police stations across five other districts including Kohima, Mokokehung, Longleng,Wokha, and Zunheboto.