Assam declared as 'disturbed area' for 6 more months under 'AFSPA'

GUWAHATI: Assam Governor Jagadish Mukhi has declared the entire State of Assam as “Disturbed Area” upto 6 months beyond February 27 "unless withdrawn earlier."

The decision has been taken amid fervid electioneering in the state, which shall head to the polling booths in April of this year.

“As per powers conferred under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, the Governor of Assam has declared the entire State of Assam as “Disturbed Area” up to 6 (six) months beyond 27/02/2021, unless withdrawn earlier,” read an official statement issued by Governor Mukhi on Wednesday.

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The Assam government had last extended the ‘Disturbed Area' tag in August, 2020, for 6 more months from August 28.

According to government sources, the state has been declared a 'disturbed area' in view of attacks on security forces across the 7 Northeast Indian states and recovery of arms and ammunition in Assam, especially in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).