Centre has decided to remove the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from certain districts in Manipur, Nagaland and Assam.
The decision has come in the backdrop of vociferous demands from various states in the Northeast to remove AFSPA following the killing of over a dozen civilians in Mon district of Nagaland last year.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted the historic step thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “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.”
Manipur CM N Biren Singh along with his Cabinet Ministers have expressed gratitude and thanked PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the historic announcement.
In Assam, the AFSPA is being removed completely from 23 districts and one district will be covered partially under the Act.
In Manipur, 15 police station areas of six districts of Manipur will be excluded from the Disturbed Area Notification, said the Ministry. All changes will be effective April 1.
In Nagaland, the AFSPA is being removed from the jurisdiction of 15 police stations in seven districts.
And in Arunachal Pradesh, AFSPA will be applicable only in three districts and the jurisdiction of two police stations in one more district.
AFSPA or the draconian law, as per the human rights activist is the main reason for unrest in Northeast India. The excessive powers given by this Act to the paramilitary forces have done collateral damage to the common citizens. The misuse of power is often seen in those states where this Act is in force. Mass raping, extra judicial killing, missing and atrocities are some of the negative impacts of this Act in Manipur and Nagaland.
People want to live in peace, without fear. Irom Chanu Sharmila have fasted for almost 16 years to repeal this Act from Manipur.