Some positive development over AFSPA in 2022 : Assam CMAssam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Saturday said “some positive development” regarding Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, which is in vogue in the state, is expected during the year.The Army, he said, has virtually withdrawn from Assam, except for six-seven districts and when AFSPA comes up for renewal later this year, the state government will take a “pragmatic decision”. As far as AFSPA is concerned, Assam will see some rationalisation in 2022.

The AFSPA has often been termed as “draconian” by of the north east because of the special powers it grants to the Indian Armed Forces to maintain public order in “disturbed areas” and its withdrawal has been demanded by civil Society groups and rights activists. It was imposed in Assam in November 1990 and has been extended every six months since then after a review by the State Government.

The demand for repeal of AFSPA from the north east came to the fore in December last year after 13 civilians were gunned down by the Army in a botched anti-insurgency operation in Nagaland and another person was killed in subsequent violence. The demand was made to the Centre even by the chief ministers of Nagaland and Meghalaya.