On Tuesday, Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, stated that there were no fatalities due to extremism in Assam in the year 2023, and that this same year saw the cessation of tribal militancy.
Sarma commented that the gradual taking away of AFSPA from many areas of the state was a great success in the pursuit of peace. He added that thanks to the joint efforts of the Union and State Government, Assam is now experiencing a period of peace and wealth.
The Chief Minister stated that 2023 turned out to be an exceptional year due to the accomplishments of Assam’s police and peacekeeping forces, as multiple organizations put down their weapons while the Armed Forces Special Powers Act was further annulled, with no fatalities resulting from extremist activity. He proclaimed that Assam has become an “oasis of peace”.
He stated that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act has been steadily withdrawn from the northeastern state, leaving only four districts under its supervision.
The security forces are given the ability to carry out operations and apprehend anyone without a warrant, as well as protections from getting arrested or charged if they shoot and kill someone, as per officials. Furthermore, Sarma declared that tribal militancy in Assam was totally eradicated in 2023.
Sarma reported that in the past two years, 8,756 ex-combatants have been rehabilitated, with an investment of more than Rs 300 crore. He also stated that the former militants have received training in skills and capacity development, and are now “contributing to the growth of the state”.
