Guwahati,  Sept 12: Yet again, the Assam government has extended the existing “disturbed area” status of 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1958 has declared the entire State of Assam as “Disturbed Area” up to six months with effect from 28-08-2021 unless withdrawn earlier,” said an official statement.

The Government did not cite any particular reason for the extension.

AFSPA in Assam

The AFSPA was first imposed in Assam in November 1990 and has been extended every six months since then after a review by the state government.

In 1990 AFSPA came into force in Assam due to the heavy insurgency activities. The United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) and other insurgent outfit had created a terror kind of environment in Assam. Many innocent people were killed by the insurgent groups. Kidnappings and extortions were common during those days.

Security forces had conducted major operations against the insurgent groups in Assam in those days to neutralize  the rebel outfits.

AFSPA in North East

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.

The AFSPA was introduced in the north-eastern states to curb insurgency. It allows armed forces the power to maintain public order in ‘disturbed areas’. The armed forces can also restrict gathering of five or more persons in an area. They can give warning to a person breaking a law and open fire or use force in case the person does not comply with warning.

Civil society groups and rights activities in the regional have been demanding withdrawal of the alleged “draconian” law.