Guwahati, Jan 2: At a time there when the Centre has formed a panel to review the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Nagaland and, at the same time, also extending it for six months, Assam may see some relaxation in imposition of the Act in the State.
Assam chief minister and BJP’s go to man for Northeast, Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday hinted that that Assam might see AFSPA relaxation after 4 months. He also informed that the Centre is keen to solve all major vexed issues in the region in 2022, including Naga and ULFA peace talks.
The AFSPA has drawn lot of flak from political parties and civil society groups in following the killing of 14 civilians last month in Mon District of Nagaland due to a botched up Army operation.
Speaking at an event, CM Sarma said, “Regarding AFSPA, finally Assam will see some rationalization of AFSPA during 2022, because Army has virtually withdrawn from Assam, only they are deployed in 5-6 districts only now.”
He informed that AFSPA is going to come for renewal in 4 months in Assam, and at that time Assam government is going to take some pragmatic decision in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Vexed issued of NE
Taking about the vexed issues of the region, Sarma said, “There were many vexed issues in the Northeast but for past couple of years under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi we have seen three major issues have been resolved – the Bru refugees settlement , the Karbi Accord and the new Bodo accord.”
Listing out some of the major problems of the region, he cited three more issues – the ULFA peace process, the resettlement of Chakma refugees, and solving the Inter-state border dispute. “The Centre has taken due cognigence of these issues and I am very hopeful,” he said while adding that some of the issues are time consuming.
Nagaland issue
On the Nagaland Peace talks, he said he isn’t the right person to speak on the issue, but added that there is new hope between the Centre and Naga organizations. He remarked that this development is a very positive initiative for Nagaland.
“I am not competent to answer I details about Naga peace process. There is a new hope that between central government emissary and Naga organisation(s) are meeting,” he said.
On the panel formed by the Centre following the Oting village massacre on Dec 4-5, 2021, which will submit its report on AFSPA in next 45 days, Sarma said, “we hope for a positive development.”
He also expressed confidence that 2022 will see end to lot of vexed issues in the Northeast.
