SHILLONG:
In light of the Centre’s decision to partially scrap the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, (AFSPA) in Nagaland, Assam and Manipur, chief ministers of the three states have welcomed the move, on March 31.
Taking to the microblogging site, Assam chief minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, tweeted, “I wholeheartedly welcome the Centre’s decision to withdraw AFSPA from most areas of Assam, barring nine districts and one sub-division. Around 60 per cent of the state’s area will now be free from AFSPA’s purview.”
Adding that the Act has been in force in Assam since 1990, he said that this move marks the beginning of “a new chapter in Assam’s future”, with significant improvement in the law-and-order situation in the state.
“With peace getting primacy, North East is now on a new trajectory of growth and development,” Sarma reiterated.
Nagaland chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, too took to the microblogging site to express gratitude to the Centre, posting, “Grateful to GOI for reducing disturbed areas under AFSPA in the states of Nagaland, Assam and Manipur. This is a significant development towards bringing stability, security and prosperity to the North-East region (sic).”
Manipur chief minister, N Biren Singh, tweeted, “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Centre to reduce disturbed areas in Manipur, with its unwavering support to make this feat possible today.”
“With PM Modi Ji at the helm, Hon’ble Union HM Shri @AmitShahJi have played a crucial role ending insurgency in the entire North East and bring peace and development in the region. Hon’ble HM Shri Amit Shah Ji will always have a special place for in our hearts. Thank you Sir (sic),” he added.
Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah removed the controversial Act from seven districts in Nagaland, 23 in Assam and six in Manipur.
“Reduction in areas under AFSPA is a result of the improved security situation and fast-tracked development because of the consistent efforts and several agreements to end insurgency and bring lasting peace in the North-East region,” Shah posted in a popular micro-blogging website, announcing the Centre’s move.