Guwahati: The government decided to reduce disturbed areas under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the three north-eastern states.
The three states are Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. The government decided to reduce AFSPA in these states after decades.
The Act gives the armed forces extraordinary powers to maintain public order in “disturbed areas,” although it has been heavily criticised for its alleged abuse on multiple occasions.
The Centre’s decision comes two months after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma predicted that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act would see some positive developments this year.
The reduction in AFSPA regions is due to the “better security situation and fast-tracked development” as a consequence of Prime Minister Modi’s relentless efforts and various agreements to end insurgency and bring sustainable peace to the North East.