How Did Assam CM Transition from AFSPA to Stability?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Transformation in Law and Order: Assam has shifted from decades of violence to stability since 2022.
- AFSPA Withdrawal: The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act has been lifted from most districts, symbolizing restored normalcy.
- Impact of Governance: The BJP-led government has prioritized peace through effective governance and dialogue.
- Economic Growth: The return of peace has facilitated investments and improved citizens' lives.
- Northeast Development: Assam's stability is crucial for the overall growth narrative of the Northeast.
Guwahati, Dec 27 (NationPress) Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated on Saturday that the state has undergone a significant change in its law and order dynamics, claiming that years of turmoil experienced under past Congress administrations have transitioned into a state of peace since 2022, thanks to the unwavering efforts of the BJP-led "double engine" government at both the Centre and state levels.
In a social media post, CM Sarma highlighted that for more than three decades, Assam was largely governed by the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) amidst widespread insurgency, violence, and instability.
The timeframe from 1990 to 2022 was characterized by ongoing conflict, a multitude of security incidents, and a heavy military presence throughout Assam.
“For decades, the entirety of Assam was under AFSPA as violence prevailed. However, starting from 2022, we have witnessed a return to peace, and AFSPA has been systematically lifted from nearly all districts,” the Chief Minister remarked, labeling this a pivotal moment in the history of the state.
Attacking previous Congress administrations, Sarma contended that years of ineffective governance and a lack of political determination permitted insurgency and disorder to thrive, trapping Assam in a cycle of fear and stagnation.
He stated that the citizens of Assam bore a substantial cost during that era, with daily life disrupted and economic development severely hampered.
CM Sarma credited the BJP governments under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for emphasizing peace through a mix of robust security measures, dialogues with insurgent factions, and governance focused on development.
He mentioned that peace agreements, infrastructure advancements, and improved governance have fostered conditions conducive to the gradual easing of AFSPA across most regions of the state.
Sarma noted that the lifting of AFSPA from nearly all districts since 2022 signifies a return to normalcy and an increase in public trust in the administration. He described this as a herald of a "new Assam" where peace, stability, and development coexist.
The Chief Minister asserted that this transformation has attracted investments, enhanced tourism, and enriched the daily lives of residents.
He emphasized that the restoration of peace has fortified Assam's role as a pivotal state in the growth narrative of the Northeast.
Reiterating his critique of the Congress, Sarma asserted that the disparity between the past and present is stark, with Assam decisively moving away from years of conflict towards a future characterized by peace and advancement.