Assam for first time extends AFSPA orders on its own
Assam Government has extended term of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958 and declared entire state a Disturbed Area for six more months under Section 3 of AFSP Act. This is for first-time state government has extended AFSPA and Disturbed Area provision on its own. In the past, AFSPA provisions in the state were always extended by the Centre. The law and order situation in Assam continues to be the matter of concern due to violent incidents carried out by the underground groups, as many as 16 incidents involving these groups were reported between May and July 2017. These incidents had resulted in deaths of civilians, security personnel, and militants.