New Delhi: In a major development, the centre on Thursday has decided to reduce the areas under AFSPA in the states of Nagaland, Assam, and Manipur.
Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the union government has decided to reduce the disturbed areas under the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) in the states of Nagaland, Assam, and Manipur.
In a series of tweets, he said, “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 the North East.”
He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership and “unwavering commitment” towards north-eastern region. He also pointed out that under his leadership and vision the north-eastern region is “witnessing an era of peace, prosperity and unprecedented development”.
AFSPA is an act of parliament that grants special powers to the Armed Forces to maintain public order in “disturbed areas”. Earlier in December, the Union Home Minister extended the period of AFSPA in Nagaland.