The State government’s Political Department issued a notification, stating that the ‘Disturbed Area’ under the AFSPA has been extended in areas covering Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo and Sivasagar districts.
The order stated, “Whereas, the Government of Assam in exercise of powers conferred under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (Act 28 of 1958) had declared the areas covering Four districts, Tinsukia, Dibrugarh; Charaideo; and Sivasagar of the State of Assam as “Disturbed Area” vide notification No. HMA-19015/9/2019-Political(A)/74 dated 27/09/2023 with effect from 01/10/2023 for a period of 6 months.”
The order stated, “Whereas, Assam Police Headquarters have submitted a report showing the improvement of Law and Order situation in the state of Assam barring one militant organization being active in four districts of Assam viz. Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sivasagar and Charaideo and offered views that the imposition of “Disturbed Area” under Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 may be continued in the above-mentioned districts of Assam beyond 31st March, 2024. And whereas, Government of Assam in Home & Political Department submitted a proposal to this effect to Govt. of India, Ministry of Home Affairs.And whereas, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, after due consideration of the proposal informed the Government of Assam vide letter No. 11011/51/2015-NE. V dated 27/03/2024 to maintain “status-quo” regarding “Disturbed Areas” in the State of Assam for a further period of six months w.e.f. 01/04/2024”.
The Act empowers security forces to conduct operations anywhere and arrest anyone without any prior warrant. It also gives a certain level of immunity to the security forces in case of misplaced operations. The Act was last extended on October 1, 2023, for six months ending on March 31.
The AFSPA was withdrawn from Jorhat, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao. Earlier, the Act was withdrawn from April 1, 2022, from the entire State of Assam, barring nine districts and a sub-division of Cachar district. The State was declared a ‘disturbed area’ under the AFSPA in November 1990 and it was periodically extended for six months since then.
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