AFSPA could be removed from Assam by end of 2023: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

At present, AFSPA is applicable in eight districts of Assam, which are, Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivsagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao

Updated on: May 23, 2023, 10:19:27 IST

By Utpal Parashar

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Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Monday that the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) could be removed from the entire state by end of this year.

The CM made this remark while addressing the meeting with commandants of battalions of the Assam Police. (Himanta Biswa Sarma | Twitter)

The CM made this remark while addressing the meeting with commandants of battalions of the Assam Police at Dergaon.

“AFSPA may be lifted from the entire state by November. This will facilitate the replacement of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) by Assam Police battalions. However, presence of CAPFs as required by law shall be in place,” said a statement issued by the CM’s office, which Sarma shared on his official Twitter account.

Also Read: Assam’s Barak Valley celebrates 62nd year of ‘Language Movement’; CM pays homage

AFSPA empowers security forces operating in “disturbed areas” to search, seize, to arrest without warrant, and to use firearms on mere suspicion, with impunity.

At present, AFSPA is applicable in eight districts of Assam, which are, Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivsagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Utpal Parashar
A seasoned senior journalist, I have nearly three decades of experience across print, digital, and online platforms, covering political transitions, insurgencies, environmental issues, and development stories in India and Nepal. I am skilled in breaking news, leading editorial teams and launch of newspaper editions. I am adept at leveraging digital trends and social media to expand global reach, with a strong ethical foundation and a reputation for impactful journalism. An alumnus of Asian College of Journalism, I joined Hindustan Times in New Delhi as a trainee reporter in May 1997. Over the years, I have been posted in Dehradun, Kathmandu (Nepal) and Guwahati. Currently, as Senior Assistant Editor at Hindustan Times, I lead a team reporting on India’s northeastern states. My work involves in-depth analysis, and engaging multimedia storytelling across formats, including text, photo, video, and interactive content. I am skilled in producing timely, shareable content, leveraging digital platforms and social media to engage global audiences. Throughout my career with the Hindustan Times, I have led diverse editorial teams, designed capacity-building activities, and supported reporters in developing strong story ideas, ethical reporting practices, digital skills, and fact-checking techniques. As Senior Assistant Editor for Northeast India, I have been responsible for guiding correspondents through complex political, humanitarian, and community-level stories using multimedia formats. Earlier, as Foreign Correspondent in Nepal, I produced extensive reporting during Nepal’s democratic transition and the 2015 earthquake and its aftermath.Read More

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