Aiming to withdraw AFSPA from entire Assam by November: Sarma

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday disclosed that the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) was likely to be lifted completely from the state by November-end as the law and order situation in the state has improved considerably.
Sarma who was speaking at the first Commandant’s Conference at the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy here, said, “We are aiming at withdrawing AFSPA completely from Assam by the November-end of 2023.” He further said that retired army personnel will be appointed as Additional Superintendents of Police to impart training to the police force in Assam.
“This will facilitate replacement of central police with Assam police battalions,” he added.
Sarma also said that attention will be given to ensure that the personnel belonging to different battalions are not used for any purpose other than those exclusively connected to bonafide policing.
“Adequate steps will be taken to empower the Assam Police Battalions so that they can deal with law and order in the state. They will also be reoriented to control the mob without using lethal weapons or using them to the minimum extent possible,” the chief minister said.