The decision on the extension of the controversial Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) in Assam may be taken soon. ET reported that the state government of Assam was advised to rationalise the use of the facility for another six months after February 28.
The order on extension may be issued after the Manipur election on March 5. In the wake of the massacre in Nagaland, in which 14 civilians were gunned down by security forces in a botched operation last year, the North Eastern states, including Manipur, are calling for the withdrawal of AFSPA.
According to a senior government official, the Assam government has been advised to rationalise the use of AFSPA and a final decision will be taken by them in consultation with the security forces. The state shares an international border with Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Bhutan where Indian insurgent groups have been taking refuge.
In January 2022, Assam’s CM promised some positive developments regarding the AFSPA prior to the year’s end, which takes place in February.
