The Assam government has announced the extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in three districts—Tinsukia, Charaideo, and Sivasagar—for an additional six months, citing ongoing security concerns. However, the controversial law has been withdrawn from Dibrugarh district due to significant improvements in the law and order situation.
The decision follows a review of reports from security agencies, which highlighted the sustained efforts of the Assam Police and other security forces in counter-insurgency operations. Despite the progress, sporadic incidents involving the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA-I), such as improvised explosive device (IED) attacks and kidnappings for ransom, remain a concern in the affected districts.
AFSPA, first imposed in Assam in November 1990, grants security forces the authority to conduct operations and make arrests without prior warrants. While the law has been extended every six months since its inception, recent years have seen its gradual withdrawal from several districts, reflecting improved security conditions.
Civil society groups and human rights activists have long called for the repeal of AFSPA, citing alleged violations of human rights. The latest decision marks another step in the government’s efforts to balance security measures with developmental goals.
