Afspa may soon be lifted from Assam: Shah
Says improved law and order and peace accords with militant outfits in the last six years have already led to the law’s partial withdrawal in state
GUWAHATI: The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will soon be revoked from all of Assam, Union home minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday, adding that improved law and order and peace accords with militant outfits in the last six years have already led to the law’s partial withdrawal in the state.
The minister lauded the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in Assam for ensuring peace and development in the state, besides achieving several milestones.
“Prior to BJP governments, Assam used to witness terrorism, strikes, bomb blasts and deaths. In the past six years, first under Sarbananda Sonowal and now with Himanta Biswa Sarma at helm, those incidents have been replaced with peace, development, health and education,” Shah said while addressing a public meeting in Guwahati on the completion of one year of the state government.
Shah also addressed a gathering after presenting the President’s Colour, a special flag, to the Assam Police. It is the highest honour to be given to any military or police unit in recognition of exceptional service rendered to the nation, both in peace and war.
Shah remarked that AFSPA, which was in operation across Assam since 1990, has been removed from nearly 60% area of the state due to the improved law and order situation. AFSPA accords special powers to armed forces, authorising security personnel to open fire, arrest people without warrants, enter and search without warrant — all while having immunity from being prosecuted.
“The AFSPA has been revoked from 23 districts, and partially from one district. I am confident that it will be completely withdrawn from the entire state soon,” Shah said.
The minister said accords were signed with all four factions of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) and militant outfits in Karbi Anglong.
“Due to the peace agreements signed with Bodo and Karbi terror outfits, over 9,000 ultras have laid down arms and joined the mainstream. They have helped in making Assam almost terrorism-free,” Shah said.
He also praised the state government for its effort to bring down illegal immigration from Bangladesh. “…While we don’t get any support in West Bengal, the Assam government stands like a rock against illegal immigration.”
Shah also listed the accomplishments of Assam Police, who, he said, had a glorious history.
Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was accompanying Shah, highlighted the achievements of the state government in the past year and committed to work together with coalition partners — Asom Gana Parishad and United Peoples Party Liberal — to turn Assam into one of the top five states in India.