Ahead of the state Assembly Election, the Governor of Assam has declared the entire State of Assam as a “Disturbed Area” upto 6 months beyond February 27.
This decision by the Governor will be in force until further notice.
On February 24, an official statement issued by the Assam Government states-
“As per powers conferred under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, the Governor of Assam has declared the entire State of Assam as “Disturbed Area” upto 6 (six) months beyond 27/02/2021, unless withdrawn earlier”.
However, this official statement came with no official comment on the actual reason behind the extension of the Act.
Reports suggest that the recovery of arms and ammunition in some parts of the state could be the reason behind the extension.
Earlier on August 28, Assam government extended the ‘Disturbed Area’ for 6 more months. Assam was declared a ‘Disturbed Area’ after the insurgent attacks on security forces in Northeast India. The recovery of arms and ammunition in Assam was also one of the reasons behind last year’s ‘Disturbed Area’ declaration.
This year, the Governor’s declaration came just a day after over 1000 militants from five outfits laid down their arms. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal was also present at the arms laying down ceremony.
According to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958, once an area is declared ‘Disturbed’ the area has to maintain status quo for a minimum of 3 months. The armed forces deployed in such ‘Disturbed Area’ are empowered to search any premises, arrest, and even shoot anyone without any warrant.
Besides Assam, AFSPA is in force in Manipur, Nagaland, and Changlang, Tirap, Longding districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
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