AFSPA extended for one more year in Assam
Source: The Sangai Express / Courtesy: The Hindustan Times

Guwahati, January 03 2015 : The Centre has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 declaring the entire 'State of Assam' as a 'Disturbed Area' for another one year beyond November 3 last, stated an official communiqu� on Friday.

"The Government of India order dated 4th November, 2014 has extended the earlier notification regarding "Disturbed Areas" under the provisions of Section 3 of the AF (SP) Act 1958 for another one year beyond 03/11/2014 which is presently in force", stated the communiqu�.

"The Government of India in exercise of powers under AF (SP) Act, 1958 has also declared, besides other areas, the area falling within 20 km wide belt in the States of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya along their border with the State of Assam as 'Disturbed Area'," it said.

"The Government of India extended and issued the notification after due consideration of the law and order situation in the State of Assam due to the violent incidents caused by the underground outfits viz ULFA (I), NDFB(S) and the border areas of the State of Assam by underground outfits like GNLA, KPLT, UALA, ULFA (I), NDFB(S), NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K)", it said.

"In the 'Disturbed Areas' as declared by the Government of India on yearly basis under the provision of the AF (SP) Act 1958, the Army is empowered to take action for counter insurgency (CI) operations against the underground (UG) outfits as well as for controlling the violent incidents caused by the UGs which have a direct bearing on the general law and order scenario of the State," it said.

To make counter insurgency operations more effective, the GoI in 1997 notified the 'strategy group' under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary, Govt of Assam, for working out broad strategies and policy coordination and the unified headquarters under the chairmanship of GOC, 4 Corps of Army for operational purpose.

In the neighbouring State of Manipur, Irom Chanu Sharmila has been fasting for the past 14 years demanding complete repeal of AFSPA after Assam Rifles troops mowed down score of civilians at Malom, Imphal West district in 2010 .

Comment