Disturbed areas under AFSPA reduced in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, says Amit Shah

Move due to improved security situation, says Union Home Minister

The Centre has considerably reduced the “disturbed areas” under the Armed Forces (Special) Powers Act (AFSPA) in the States of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Thursday.

“In a significant step, GoI under the decisive leadership of PM Shri @NarendraModi Ji has decided to reduce disturbed areas under Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the States of Nagaland, Assam and Manipur after decades,” Mr. Shah said in a tweet.

He added, “Reduction in areas under AFSPA is a result of the improved security situation and fast-tracked development due to the consistent efforts and several agreements to end insurgency and bring lasting peace in North East by PM @narendramodi government.”

“The areas under AFSPA has been considerably reduced in these three States; it has not been completely removed,” said a Home Ministry official.

In Nagaland, the AFSPA is being removed from the jurisdiction of 15 police stations in seven districts.

“The Disturbed Area Notification is in force in the whole of Nagaland from 1995. The Central government has accepted the recommendation of a committee constituted in this context for withdrawal of the AFSPA in a phased manner,” the Ministry said.

In Assam, the AFSPA is being removed completely from 23 districts and one district will be covered partially under the Act.