Positive development regarding Afspa likely this year: Assam CM
GUWAHATI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Saturday said “some positive development” regarding Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, which is in vogue in the state, is expected during the year. Sarma, a senior BJP leader of the north east, however, did not specify any time frame.
He also said militancy was in the wane on the state, with all tribal militant groups already coming forward for talks though the demand for discussion on ‘sovereignty’ remained the main hurdle in resolving the issues with ULFA(I). The Army, he said, has virtually withdrawn from Assam, except for sixseven districts and when Afspa comes up for renewal later this year, the state government will take a a “pragmatic decision”.
“As far as AFSPA is concerned, Assam will see some rationalising in 2022 ... How and when we don’t know. But I am an optimistic man. We are looking at 2022 as a year of hope. There will be some positive moment regarding AFSPA,” he told reporters here.
The Afspa has often been termed as “draconian” by political parties of the north east because of the special powers it grants to the Indian Armed Forces to maintain public order in “disturbed areas” and its withdrawal havs been demanded by civil society groups and rights activists. It was imposed in Assam in November 1990 and has been extended every six months since then after a review by the state government.
The demand for repeal of Afspa from the north east came to the fore in December last year after 13 civilians were gunned down by the Army in a botched operation in Nagaland.