Assam government extends AFSPA in Tinsukia, Charaideo, and Sivasagar districts for six months

The Armed Forces Act or AFSPA was extended in three districts of Assam for six more months from October 1.

In a statement the state government stated the state government had recommended to the Centre that the 'Disturbed Area' status under the AFSPA be extended in Tinsukia, Charaideo and Sivasagar districts for an additional period of six months.

According to the notification issued by the state's Political Department the Union Ministry of Home Affairs agreed with the state government's view to retain the status in the three districts, and the extension was granted.


The state government stated that the law-and-order situation in the state, in the context of extremist-related violence, has improved significantly due to sustained efforts and proactive counterinsurgency measures of security forces.

Despite these improvements, there have been sporadic incidents by suspected ULFA cadres, the only militant group active in the state, along with movement of NSCN cadres, mainly for the purpose of extortion, subversive activities and recruitment of youth in these three districts, it said.

The Union Home ministry has removed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from Dibrugarh district and the act is now applicable only in three districts of the state.

The Assam cabinet in a meeting on September 8, 2023, had made a recommendation to the Central Government to withdraw Disturbed Areas Act and AFSPA from the State.

The law gives unbridled power to the Armed Forces and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) deployed in “Disturbed Areas” to kill anyone acting in contravention of the law; arrest and search any premises without a warrant; and protection from prosecution and legal suits without the Central Government’s sanction.