Sarma stated in X, “Due to sustained efforts of Union and State Govt, Assam is witnessing an era of peace and prosperity. In 2023, several groups laid down their arms, AFSPA was further revoked, and no lives were lost to extremist violence, marking a successful year for the State.”
The chief minister added, “2023 was an unprecedented year as our policing and peace efforts bore fruit. With the blessings of the Prime Minister and guidance of the Home Minister, several milestones have been achieved in the security scenario. Gradual removal of AFSPA from the State- only 4 districts now have AFSPA enforced. Around 8,756 Ex-cadres have been rehabilitated in the last 2 years and 300 crore plus invested in Ex-cadre rehabilitation.”
He added that skill training and ability enhancement training are organised for surrendered cadres; they are now aiding the State’s economic growth. There is a complete end to tribal militancy.
The Government of India after its assessment has kept it in four districts.
Sarma in October this year said that the Assam government had recommended withdrawal of AFSPA from the remaining eight districts of the state. “ The Government of India withdrew it from the four districts, Jorhat, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao with effect from October 1″.He said now AFSPA is in four districts of Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Sivasagar and Charaideo, “In next six months the government of India will do further assessment and this will lead to complete withdrawal of the army”.The Assam cabinet in a meeting on September 8 has made a recommendation to the Central Government to withdraw Disturbed Areas Act and AFSPA from the State.
It may be noted that the ‘Disturbed Area’ notification was in force since 1990 in the whole of Assam. On April 1, 2022, the AFSPA was removed from the entire State of Assam except for nine districts, including one subdivision of another district. From April 1, the districts under the AFSPA in Assam were further reduced to eight as the Act was withdrawn from the Lakhipur subdivision of Cachar district.
The law gives unbridled power to the Armed Forces and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) deployed in “Disturbed Areas” to kill anyone acting in contravention of the law; arrest and search any premises without a warrant; and protection from prosecution and legal suits without the Central Government’s sanction.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, compared to the year 2014, there is a reduction of 76% in the extremist incidents in the North East region in 2022. Similarly, the deaths of security personnel and civilians have come down by 90% and 97% respectively during this period.
