GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday revealed that the Indian Army had expressed its support for the complete withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the state.
However, a divergence of opinion emerged as the Central Government favoured retaining the Act in force in four specific districts.
Sarma's statement came during the inauguration of the statue of Ahom general Lachit Barphukan and the Shaheed Smarak at Narangi Military Station.
The Chief Minister highlighted that Assam had recommended the full withdrawal of AFSPA, although not necessarily an immediate one. Instead, the Centre urged a phased approach to the withdrawal.
"The Army, in its assessment, finds Assam to be completely safe and requested a complete withdrawal of AFSPA," stated Sarma.
However, the Central Government, with access to broader national and international information, maintained a different perspective, and therefore, the ultimate decision regarding AFSPA's status would rest with the Centre, according to Sarma.
Previously, the state had proposed the withdrawal of AFSPA from the remaining eight districts. Subsequently, the Centre decided to withdraw AFSPA from four districts—Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong, Golaghat, and Jorhat. The Act will continue to be in effect in the last four districts: Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Sivasagar, and Charaideo.
Sarma further explained, "In the next six months, the Government of India will conduct further assessments, and ultimately, it will lead to a complete withdrawal."