AFSPA extended for six months in parts of Assam

The implementation of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) has been extended in eight districts and one sub-division of Assam for six months, according to an official order issued today.

The order signed by Home and Political Department Principal Secretary Niraj Verma, will come into effect from October 1.

However, the law has been withdrawn from West Karbi Anglong district as the situation there has been declared to be “considerably improved”.

The AFSPA gives sweeping powers to the Armed Forces, including search without warrants, arrest individuals without warrants, on basis of “reasonable suspicion”, and even to open fire against any person in contravention of law.

Human Rights and Democratic bodies and activists have repeatedly criticised AFSPA and has called for its repeal so that such power are not given to the Armed Forces in any part of India.