Decision to reduce AFSPA is a signal that Assam is an investment destination: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the decision to reduce Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is a signal to people outside Assam that it is an investment destination and there is no law and order issue.

He said that Northeast India is ready for industrialisation. The chief minister added, “This is a bold step and reflection of the political will of the Prime minister Narendra Modi and Union Home minister Amit Shah. Since 2014 efforts have been made to bring peace in the region. Bodoland is peaceful after inking accord with Bodo outfits. Militants of KarbiAnglong are in talks with the government. We are engaged in formal and informal talks with many groups and those are in an advanced stage.”

He said, “Assam was consulted before the Centre took the decision. In Dima Haso talks with militant outfit Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA) are in advanced stage. In Upper Assam anti talk faction of ULFA is still active, there are some other groups which are active there. Home minister has been working on a timeline and after meeting required parameters the decision of reduction of AFSPA was taken.”


The chief minister said that in Manipur the militant groups that are there in the Nagaland peace process are still not concluded. “This is a gift to the people of Assam ahead of the Rongali Bihu festival (an agrarian festival celebrated in the second week of April). The onus is now on the people of Assam to ensure that it is not extended. This decision is a signal to people outside Assam that it is an investment destination and ready for industrialisation.”