Indian Tribal News Service
Guwahati/New Delhi
Asserting that the era of tribal militancy is over in the state, insurgent groups come forward for talks with Government. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he was also hopeful that the rationalization of the AFSPA in the State.
Sarma, who was addressing a press conference on the first day of the New Year, said, “Assam will see some rationalizing (of AFSPA) in 2022. How and when we don’t know. But I am an optimistic man. We are looking at 2022 as a year of hope. There will be some positive moments regarding AFSPA.”
His statement comes at a time when there is a strong demand for repeal of AFSPA from Nagaland. Following the killing of 8 civilians by security forces in a case of mistaken identity. Sarma was one of the participants in the meeting along with his Nagaland counterpart Neiphiu Rio with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the issue of AFSPA’s removal from the northeast.
The controversial Act, which gives sweeping powers to the Army, is in force in Assam, Nagaland, Manipur (excluding Imphal Municipal Council Area), Changlang, Longding, and Tirap districts of Arunachal Pradesh, and areas falling within the jurisdiction of the eight police stations of districts in Arunachal Pradesh bordering Assam, besides Nagaland and Assam itself The Indian Tribal News writes about his in his blog.
It was extended by six months in Nagaland by the Centre earlier this week even as the State Assembly has passed a resolution demanding its repeal and the Centre instituting a 5-member committee to suggest the way for its removal.
Sarma also said demand for a discussion on sovereignty by the ULFA(I) was a stumbling block and his government is trying to break the impasse.
“The era of tribal militancy is over. All militant groups have come forward. Our last hurdle is ULFA(I). Excluding them, all other outfits have surrendered arms,” Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
The Army has withdrawn from Assam, except for six-seven districts, when AFSPA comes up for renewal later this year. The state government will take a “pragmatic decision” He said.
