National 11 Jun, 2026

Will remove AFSPA from entire Northeast barring one or two states next year: Amit Shah

Business To Business, New Delhi, 11^th June, 2026:   Amit Shah on Thursday said that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act is likely to be withdrawn from almost the entire Northeastern region next year, with only one or two states potentially remaining under its ambit.
Speaking at the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving the Centre, Assam, and Nagaland for facilitating mineral oil operations in border areas, Shah linked the move to the improving security situation in the region.
Shah's Statement
The Home Minister said:
"I am confident that barring one or two states, we will withdraw AFSPA from the entire Northeast next year."
According to Shah, the steady reduction in areas notified under AFSPA reflects the return of peace and stability across much of the region.
What is AFSPA?
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act grants special powers to the armed forces operating in areas declared "disturbed" by the government. The law has historically been applied in several Northeastern states affected by insurgency and armed conflict.
Under AFSPA, security forces are given enhanced powers to:

• Conduct searches and arrests.
• Maintain public order in disturbed areas.
• Carry out counter-insurgency operations.

The law has long been a subject of debate, with supporters arguing it is necessary for security operations, while critics have called for its repeal or reform.
Declining AFSPA Coverage
Over the past several years, the Union government has progressively reduced AFSPA coverage in parts of:

• Assam
• Nagaland
• Manipur
• Arunachal Pradesh

The government has cited improvements in law and order, successful peace accords, and declining insurgent activity as reasons for these decisions.
Assam–Nagaland MoU
The remarks were made during the signing of a tripartite agreement between the Union government, Assam, and Nagaland to facilitate mineral oil exploration and production in areas along the inter-state boundary.
If implemented, the withdrawal of AFSPA from most of the Northeast would mark a significant milestone in the region's security landscape. It would also represent one of the most substantial reductions in the law's geographical coverage since its introduction in the region decades ago.
The announcement underscores the Centre's position that peace agreements, infrastructure development, and enhanced governance have helped transform the Northeast from a conflict-prone region into one increasingly focused on economic growth and connectivity.