Guwahati (Assam) [India]: The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) has been withdrawn from Assam’s Dibrugarh district, marking a significant step towards normalcy in the region. However, AFSPA will remain in effect for an additional six months in the districts of Tinsukia, Charaideo, and Sivasagar due to ongoing security concerns, as per a government order issued on March 30.
Improvement in Security Situation
The years of hard work of @assampolice and sister agencies bearing fruit under able political leadership.
— GP Singh (@gpsinghips) March 30, 2025
असम की प्रगति का पथ अब प्रशस्त हो चला है। https://t.co/EzaNTU69hW
The Assam government cited a major improvement in the state’s security landscape over the past three and a half years, crediting the efforts of the Assam Police and security forces.
Former Assam police chief and current CRPF Director General GP Singh praised the development, stating that the hard work of security agencies is yielding results under strong political leadership.
Why AFSPA Continues in Some Districts
Despite the withdrawal in Dibrugarh, Assam’s government has opted to extend AFSPA in Tinsukia, Charaideo, and Sivasagar due to:
🔴 Ongoing militant activities by the ULFA (I), the only active insurgent group in Assam.
🔴 Recent incidents of IEDs being planted in various districts.
🔴 Kidnappings for ransom linked to ULFA (I), allegedly to fund militant operations.
Official Notification & MHA Approval
According to the official order:
📌 The Government of Assam recommended the continuation of AFSPA in the three districts and sought approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
📌 MHA approved the request on March 24, 2025, agreeing with the state’s assessment of security risks.
📌 The Governor of Assam formally extended the “Disturbed Area” status for these three districts, effective April 1, 2025, for another six months.
What is AFSPA?
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 grants special powers to the armed forces in areas deemed “disturbed”, allowing them to:
✅ Conduct operations without prior approval.
✅ Arrest individuals without a warrant.
✅ Use force, including deadly force, under specific circumstances.
Significance of the Withdrawal
The removal of AFSPA from Dibrugarh is part of the larger effort to phase out the law from Assam, reflecting growing stability in the region. However, authorities remain cautious, keeping AFSPA in place where security threats persist.
This move aligns with Assam’s broader strategy of engaging with insurgent groups and reducing the military’s role in civilian areas.