October 9, 2024: The Assam government has decided to extend the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in four districts for another six months, citing recent disturbances in neighboring Bangladesh that could threaten internal law and order. The districts affected—Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, and Sivasagar—will continue to be classified as "disturbed areas" under the act.
A notification issued on Tuesday noted significant improvements in Assam's security situation over the past few years, largely attributed to effective counter-insurgency operations by security forces. However, authorities expressed concerns that the unrest in Bangladesh might have a destabilizing effect on Assam.
“Due to the recent disturbances in the neighboring country Bangladesh and its potentially inimical effect on internal law and order, the Government of Assam recommends that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 be retained for another six months,” the notification stated.
The proposal for the extension was submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs, which subsequently decided to maintain the "status quo" in these districts effective from October 1, 2024. The decision underscores ongoing vigilance in the region amidst evolving security dynamics.