• ‘Right Step’: Manipur, Assam, and Meghalaya Chief Ministers Applaud Modi and Shah on AFSPA Move

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    ‘Right Step’: Manipur, Assam, and Meghalaya Chief Ministers Applaud Modi and Shah on AFSPA Move

    According to Sarma, Assam would repeal AFSPA entirely on Thursday at midnight, with the exception of nine districts and one subdivision.

    Digital Desk: On Thursday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that in a significant outreach to the Northeast, the disturbed zones imposed under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Nagaland, Assam, and Manipur will be reduced beginning April 1, after decades.

    However, a home ministry spokeswoman stated that the decision does not suggest that the AFSPA has been totally removed from the three insurgency-hit states, but that it would remain in effect in some portions of the three states.

    The judgement was applauded by the chief ministers of numerous states, including Assam, where the disturbed area notification has been in effect since 1990.

    Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the decision and conveyed his gratitude to Home Minister Amit Shah. “I wholeheartedly welcome Adarniya PM Shri @narendramodi ji’s decision to withdraw AFSPA from all areas of Assam barring 9 dists & 1 subdivn. Also convey my gratitude to HM Shri @AmitShah ji for this great move. Around 60% of State’s area will now be free from AFSPA’s purview,” he said.

    “AFSPA has been in force since 1990 & this move marks the beginning of a new chapter in Assam’s future. It is a testimony to the significant improvement in law & order in the State.With peace getting primacy, North East is now on a new trajectory of growth & development,” he added.

    According to Sarma, Assam would repeal AFSPA entirely on Thursday at midnight, with the exception of nine districts and one subdivision.

    Because of the tremendous improvement in the situation, the AFSPA will be repealed totally in 23 districts and partially in one district of Assam on April 1.

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    Since 2004, the disturbed area declaration has been in effect across Manipur (excluding in the Imphal municipality region). With the judgement made on Thursday, 15 police station areas in six districts of Manipur would be exempted from the disturbed area notice as of April 1.

    Speaking to CNN-News18, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said, “I am proud of being in the BJP. This (decision) was a long due demand that has been fulfilled. I am thankful to Amit shah ji and PM Modi ji.”

    In an Interview to CNN-News18 three days ago, Biren Singh had spoken about central government’s plans to get the controversial AFSPA removed from the state.

    Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland, said the move will help bring “stability, security & prosperity to the North East region”.