The Assam government has extended the existing “disturbed area” status of the state for another six months from August 28 under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).
“The Government of Assam in the exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 has declared the entire State of Assam as ‘’Disturbed Area’’ up to six months with effect from 28-08-2021 unless withdrawn earlier,” said an official statement issued on Saturday.
The release did not cite any particular reason for the extension.
The AFSPA was imposed in Assam in November 1990 and has been extended every six months since then after a review by the state government.
In the Northeast, the AFSPA is in force in Assam, Nagaland, Manipur (excluding Imphal Municipal Council Area), Changlang, Longding and Tirap districts of Arunachal Pradesh, and areas falling within the jurisdiction of the eight police stations of districts in Arunachal Pradesh bordering Assam.
Civil society groups and rights activists in the region have been demanding withdrawal of the alleged “draconian” law from the northeastern states where it has been imposed.