Will remove AFSPA from most of Northeast in 2027: Union minister Amit Shah

India's Union minister Amit Shah has declared that the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, or AFSPA, will be removed from most parts of the Northeast region by 2027. The announcement signals a significant shift in the government's approach to security and governance in the region.

Shah characterized the signing of a related Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as a "historic moment." He further elaborated that this agreement effectively clears the last remaining impediment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's long-standing vision of fostering a developed Northeast.

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historic moment

The AFSPA grants security forces broad powers to conduct operations and arrest suspects in areas declared 'disturbed.' Its presence has been a point of contention for decades, with human rights groups and local populations frequently calling for its repeal due to allegations of abuses. The phased withdrawal indicates a move towards normalizing the security situation and empowering civilian administration in the region.

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Underlining that the signing of the MoU was a “historic moment,” Shah said it has removed the last hurdle in PM Modi’s vision of a developed Northeast.