Northeast areas under AFSPA reduced, says Amit Shah
The law prevails in the "disturbed areas" of Nagaland, Assam and Manipur.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday announced that areas covered under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland will be reduced.
“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,” Shah wrote on Twitter.
He wrote that “Reduction in areas under AFSPA is a result of the improved security situation and fast-tracked development due to the consistent efforts and several agreements to end insurgency and bring lasting peace in North East by PM @narendramodi government”. Congratulating the people of the region, he said that it was neglected for decades and is now “witnessing a new era of peace, prosperity and unprecedented development”.
AFSPA allows security forces to conduct operations anywhere and arrest anyone without prior warrant, in the areas where it prevails. The law was brought in to help security forces fight insurgency in what was deemed as “disturbed areas”. However, it has been controversial since it gives legal immunity to the security forces, and especially due to the instances of human rights abuses reported.
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