The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) has been extended for an additional six months in four districts of Assam due to recent unrest in neighboring Bangladesh, which poses a potential threat to local law and order.
The districts affected areTinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, and Sivasagar. This extension, effective from October 1, comes as authorities aim to maintain security amid rising tensions in the region.
Despite the decision to retain AFSPA, reports indicate a significant improvement in the security situation in Assam over the last few years, particularly through proactive counter-insurgency efforts by security forces. The government emphasized that these measures have yielded positive results, contributing to an overall decline in violence and unrest.
The request for the extension stemmed from concerns regarding the impact of disturbances in Bangladesh, which could reverberate across the border. In light of these developments, the Government of Assam recommended that the AFSPA continue in these districts, seeking the approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Background on AFSPA
The AFSPA was first implemented in Assam in **November 1990** and has been consistently renewed every six months. This law grants security forces extensive powers to operate freely, including the authority to conduct searches, arrest individuals without warrants, and even provides certain legal protections in the event of operations resulting in fatalities.
Civil society organizations and human rights advocates have long criticized AFSPA, labeling it a “draconian law.” They argue that it undermines human rights and contributes to a culture of impunity among security forces. Calls for its repeal have intensified across the Northeast, as activists advocate for more accountable and humane security measures.
As Assam navigates these complex challenges, the balance between security and human rights remains a contentious issue, with ongoing debates expected as the situation unfolds.
এনেধৰণৰ অন্যান্য বা-বাতৰিৰ বাবে লাইক কৰক অসম লাইভ ২৪ ৰ ফেচবুক পেজ
