GUWAHATI: As the six-month term for the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act of 1958 approaches its expiration date on September 30 in both Assam and Manipur, the two states have made contrasting decisions regarding the future application of the law that gives extra-judicial powers to security forces during anti-militancy operations, including “shoot to kill”.
In strife-torn Manipur, the state cabinet has recommended maintaining the status quo and has urged the extension of Afspa for another six months, according to state information and public relations minister Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh. This decision, however, comes with an exception, as it excludes areas falling under the jurisdiction of 19 police stations, as previously specified.
The last extension of Afspa in Manipur occurred on April 1, encompassing the entire state, except for the areas falling under 19 police stations – Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Sekmai, Lamsang, Patsoi, Porompat, Heingang, Lamlai, Irlbung, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching, Jiribam, Moirang, Nambol, Wangoi, and Leimakhong.
In contrast, the Assam cabinet has recommended the complete withdrawal of Afspa from the state, effective from October 1. This decision is rooted in what the cabinet described as a “significant improvement in the security situation of the state and subsequent accelerated development”.
Afspa remains in force in eight districts of Assam – Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao – designated as “disturbed areas”. These areas, bordering Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, will undergo a review process.
The decision by the Assam cabinet follows a recent meeting between CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union home minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. Sarma appealed for the complete withdrawal of the contentious law from the state.
In strife-torn Manipur, the state cabinet has recommended maintaining the status quo and has urged the extension of Afspa for another six months, according to state information and public relations minister Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh. This decision, however, comes with an exception, as it excludes areas falling under the jurisdiction of 19 police stations, as previously specified.
The last extension of Afspa in Manipur occurred on April 1, encompassing the entire state, except for the areas falling under 19 police stations – Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Sekmai, Lamsang, Patsoi, Porompat, Heingang, Lamlai, Irlbung, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching, Jiribam, Moirang, Nambol, Wangoi, and Leimakhong.
In contrast, the Assam cabinet has recommended the complete withdrawal of Afspa from the state, effective from October 1. This decision is rooted in what the cabinet described as a “significant improvement in the security situation of the state and subsequent accelerated development”.
Afspa remains in force in eight districts of Assam – Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao – designated as “disturbed areas”. These areas, bordering Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, will undergo a review process.
The decision by the Assam cabinet follows a recent meeting between CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union home minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. Sarma appealed for the complete withdrawal of the contentious law from the state.
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