Guwahati: Authorities have announced the extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in three Upper Assam districts—Tinsukia, Charaideo, and Sivasagar—until March 2026, citing residual militant activity and cross-border movement.
Officials noted that Assam’s overall law-and-order situation has improved considerably in recent years, thanks to sustained counter-insurgency operations and proactive security measures. However, sporadic incidents involving suspected ULFA cadres—the only active militant group in the state—continue to be reported. Additionally, documented movement of NSCN cadres through the region, linked to extortion, recruitment, and other subversive activities, remains a concern.
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AFSPA, first imposed in Assam on the intervening night of November 27–28, 1990, was withdrawn from most parts of the state in April 2022. Since then, the law has been gradually lifted from six of the nine districts and one subdivision where it remained in force.
The controversial legislation grants sweeping powers to security forces, including conducting operations, searches, and arrests without warrants, while providing immunity against prosecution. Civil society groups and rights activists have long demanded its complete repeal, alleging misuse and human rights violations.
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For now, the extension ensures that special powers remain operative in the three districts for at least another six months.
