In a significant step towards normalcy, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma announced during a cabinet press briefing that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) has been officially removed from Dibrugarh district.
With this, only three districts—Tinsukia, Sivasagar, and Charaideo—remain under the purview of AFSPA in Assam.
Speaking at the press conference, CM Sarma stated that the removal of AFSPA from Dibrugarh marks another milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.
"I would like to inform you that the Ministry of Home Affairs has withdrawn AFSPA from Dibrugarh district. As you know, the Assam government has already been in the process of upgrading Dibrugarh as the second capital of the state, and we requested the Union Home Minister, who has promptly decided to withdraw AFSPA...only AFSPA remains in three districts and the rest 32 districts are out of AFSPA," Sarma said.
AFSPA, which grants special powers to the armed forces in "disturbed areas," had been in force in Assam for decades due to insurgency-related concerns. However, the gradual improvement in security conditions and the surrender of many militant groups have allowed the government to phase out the act in a systematic manner.
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The revocation of AFSPA in Dibrugarh follows a similar withdrawal in other parts of the state over recent years.
The Assam government has been working closely with security agencies to monitor the law and order situation, ensuring that the transition to a more civilian-led governance model is smooth and sustainable.
With only three districts still under AFSPA, Assam inches closer to completely shedding the controversial law, which has long been a point of debate among human rights groups and policymakers. The government has assured that efforts will continue to create an environment where AFSPA is no longer necessary in any part of the state.
Meanwhile, local leaders and residents in Dibrugarh have welcomed the decision, expressing optimism about the positive impact this will have on economic growth, tourism, and overall development in the region.
