Guwahati, 9th October: The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) has been extended for another six months in four districts of Assam—Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, and Sivasagar—due to concerns over recent unrest in neighboring Bangladesh and its potential impact on Assam’s security.
The extension, effective from October 1, 2024, was confirmed in an official notification issued on Tuesday.
The AFSPA provides security forces with special powers to conduct operations, make arrests without warrants, and grants immunity for actions during operations in “disturbed areas.”
While Assam has seen an improved security situation due to proactive counter-insurgency measures, the disturbances in Bangladesh raised concerns of potential threats spilling over into Assam.
“The Government of Assam recommends that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, be retained for another six months,” the notification stated, with the Ministry of Home Affairs approving the proposal.
Over the years, AFSPA has been gradually lifted from many parts of Assam, with only the four districts remaining under its purview since October 2023.
Despite criticism from human rights groups who deem it a “draconian law,” AFSPA continues to be a key tool in managing security risks in the region.
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