STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The state government has decided to analyse the data regarding the law and order and anti-insurgency (CI) operations in the past few months. The government feels that the AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Power Act) is not a 'one-size-fits-all' piece of law for the entire state now. It has planned a study to see if every district or area in the state needs AFSPA. Not all areas are under the AFSPA in Arunachal Pradesh now.
The MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) last extended the six-month term of the AFSPA in Assam on August 28, 2021. This term is going to expire on February 28, 2022. The existing rule is that the MHA seeks opinions of the State governments regarding the extension of AFSPA. The MHA extends the term of the AFSPA based on reports of state governments.
As if taking a cue from Arunachal Pradesh, the Home and Political departments of Assam will carry out studies on the law and order and anti-insurgency operations in the state district or areas wise, sources said. The Chief Minister will examine the study report and decide if all areas of the state should come under the AFSPA. After approval from the Chief Minister, the State government will send its report to the MHA on AFSPA extension.
Dispur feels that not all districts or areas in Assam are disturbed now. Moreover, the once active tribal terrorism is on the fall as most of the insurgent organizations of the state give up arms. Even the ULFA-I keeps on extending its unilateral ceasefire with the government at an interval of three months after the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led BJP came to power in the state. The recent unpleasant incident in the Mon district in Nagaland made the Assam government rethink AFSPA promulgation in the entire state. Since it is a policy decision, the State government will finalize it with utmost care.
At present, the entire state of Assam is under the AFSPA.
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