Some rationalisation on AFSPA expected in 2022: Assam CM

As calls to repeal the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act gets stronger across northeast India, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Saturday that some rationalisation regarding the contentious act is expected in the new year. He said that the state government would take a pragmatic decision after consulting with the Union Home Ministry once the current term of the AFSPA, which has four more months, ends. However, ever since enforcement in Assam in November 1990, the AFSPA has been extended every six months.

The Army deployed in disturbed areas under the AFSPA has virtually withdrawn from Assam except for five-six districts, said Sarma.

"A dynamic situation is now prevailing in Assam. Some rationalisation will be seen on AFSPA in 2022," Sarma said.

The Centre has formed a high-powered committee to look into the demand on AFSPA in Nagaland. Some positive development is expected in the next 45 days, Sarma said.

Almost all political parties, NGOs and Naga civil society organisations in Nagaland have demanded that AFSPA be repealed after 14 people were killed and another 30 injured by security forces in Mon district.

Militancy is on the wane in Assam, said Sarma. All tribal militant groups are coming forward for talks and giving up on arms and ammunition. The CM credited the same to initiatives of the civil society and tribal organisations, especially the students' organisations.

"The ULFA-I (United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent) has shown a positive attitude. There has been no conflict between the ULFA-I and the security forces during the past eight months. The demand for sovereignty remained the main hurdle to take forward the talks with ULFA-I," he said.

"Paresh Barua (self-styled ULFA-I Commander-in-Chief) has been in the jungle since 1982. He is very positive about negotiating with the government. The Government of India and Assam government also shown very positive attitude towards the ULFA-I," the Chief Minister added.