Assam Extends AFSPA in Four Districts for Six More Months Amid Security Concerns

The Assam government has extended the period of declaring four districts of the state - Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo and Sivasagar - as "disturbed areas" for the next 6 months. In this regard, a notification has been issued under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA). This notification was issued by the Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Political Department, Government of Assam on Tuesday.

Earlier this announcement was made on 27 March 2024 under notification number HMA-19015/9/2019-Political(A)/Pt-1/93, under which these districts were declared "disturbed areas" from 1 April 2024. Now it has been decided to maintain this situation for another 6 months from 1 October 2024. This step has been taken because of the recent instability in Bangladesh and its possible impact on the internal security of Assam.

The Assam government sent a proposal in this regard to the Ministry of Home Affairs on 18 August 2024, which was approved by the Central Government on 23 September 2024. According to the government, the security situation in the state has improved due to active counter-terrorism efforts made by the security forces in the last few years, but this extension is necessary because of the current situation.

According to the notification, "The status of 'Disturbed Area' will remain in force in Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo and Sivasagar districts for the next 6 months from October 1, 2024."