Disturbed Area tag Removed from West Karbi Anglong

GUWAHATI: The Government of Assam has decided to remove the 'disturbed areas' tag given under the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from the West Karbi Anglong district of Assam. This order came to effect on October 1, 2022.

The state government has however decided to retain the same status under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in eight other districts of Assam. These are on the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. One additional sub-division bordering Manipur is also on this list for six more months.

"Whereas, a review of the law and order and security scenario in Assam in the recent past indicates that the situation has considerably improved in West Karbi Anglong district of the state," noted the official letter.

"…in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958…the Governor of Assam is pleased to withdraw the declaration of -Disturbed Area w.e.f. 01.10.2022 from West Karbi Anglong district of Assam," stated the order from the Governor of Assam.

The eight districts of the state where the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) will remain effective are Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao. The Lakhipur subdivision of the Cachar District also remains under the jurisdiction of this controversial act.

While almost the whole of Northeastern India wants this act to be repealed completely, the center and state governments continue to extend it every six months. Even during his latest visit to Northeast India for the meeting of the Northeast Council, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke about keeping this act active in the region.

On April 1 this year, the Centre completely removed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from 23 districts and partially removed it from one district of Assam. Today's decision takes that number to 24 districts fully independent and one district partially independent from the law.

Also Read: Kamakhya Temple not Maintained Properly: Supreme Court

Also Watch: