Pragmatic decision on AFSPA in Assam in 2022: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today said that the era of tribal insurgency is over in the state even as he indicated that Armed Forces Special Powers Act may

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today said that the era of tribal insurgency is over in the state even as he indicated that Armed Forces Special Powers Act may be withdrawn from the state in the year 2022.

Interacting with editors of leading media houses and senior journalists from Assam on the first day of the year in Guwahati, Sarma said that the state government will take a pragmatic decision in consultation with the Centre on AFSPA ahead of the time for renewal of the act in another 4 months.

Replying to a query by Northeast Live editor-in-chief Wasbir Hussain on what would be the course of action of the government if tribal insurgent groups re-emerge, Sarma said the tribal society in Assam is determined to ensure that there is no resurgence of underground outfits. The Assam Chief Minister gave full credit to tribal civil society groups for this and lauded their role in ending insurgency in the state.

Sarma also stressed that even the Paresh Baruah-led ULFA-Independent has shown keen interest in joining negotiations even though the outfit’s demand for sovereignty continues to be a stumbling block to the peace process. The Assam CM was, however, hopeful that in due course of time this impasse too can be broken and a congenial atmosphere can be created for talks with ULFA-Independent.

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