Table of Contents

APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 20/08/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (20-08-2025).

Q. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 continues to evoke debate in Northeast India. Critically examine its role in balancing national security and democratic rights, with special reference to recent extensions in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.

(GS Paper 3: Internal Security | GS Paper 2: Governance | GS Paper 5: Northeast Issues)

🔹 Introduction

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958, originally enacted for the Naga Hills, empowers armed forces to maintain order in “disturbed areas.” While it has been instrumental in counter-insurgency operations, its prolonged use in the Northeast has sparked concerns over human rights violations, federalism, and alienation of local communities. The recent extension in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh (Aug 2025) has reignited debates on the necessity and limits of such extraordinary legislation.

🔹 Body

1. Significance of AFSPA in Northeast

Counter-insurgency tool: Enables armed forces to operate in remote, hostile terrains where state police capacity is weak.
Border security: Crucial along Indo–Myanmar border, where insurgents maintain sanctuaries.
Stability for peace talks: Helps contain violence while negotiations with groups like NSCN (IM) continue.
Rapid deployment: Provides flexibility for armed forces to act without bureaucratic delays.

2. Concerns & Criticism

Human Rights Violations: Allegations of fake encounters, arbitrary detentions (e.g., Manipur’s extrajudicial killings case).
Alienation of Locals: Seen as a symbol of militarisation, breeding mistrust towards the state.
Legal Safeguards Erosion: Armed forces enjoy virtual immunity under Section 6 of AFSPA.
Federal Tensions: Centre often imposes AFSPA despite opposition from state governments.
Peace Process Impact: Militants exploit AFSPA as propaganda to sustain recruitment.

3. Judicial & Expert Views

Supreme Court (NPMHR vs Union of India, 1997): Upheld constitutionality but demanded “restraint and accountability.”
Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee (2005): Recommended repeal, merging powers under UAPA.
Second ARC (2008): Suggested retaining with safeguards for human rights.

4. Recent Developments

Phased withdrawal: AFSPA removed from Tripura (2015), Meghalaya (2018), and most parts of Assam and Manipur.
Selective extension: Aug 2025 extension limited to insurgency-hit areas of Nagaland & Arunachal, unlike blanket imposition earlier.
Parallel peace accords: Karbi (2021), Bodo (2020), and ongoing Naga negotiations signal a peace-oriented shift.

5. Way Forward

Phased & Area-Specific Withdrawal: Limit AFSPA to active insurgency hotspots, not entire states.
Strengthening Local Policing: Invest in training, modernisation, and community policing.
Accountability Mechanisms: Independent human rights commissions to investigate complaints.
Political Dialogue: Speed up settlement of Naga Accord; involve civil society.
Development as Security: Focus on jobs, connectivity, and governance to address root causes of insurgency.

🔹 Conclusion

AFSPA reflects the tension between security imperatives and democratic liberties. While its role in maintaining order cannot be denied, its indefinite use undermines trust and legitimacy of the state. The selective extension in 2025 shows progress towards normalcy, but lasting peace in the Northeast will come only through political dialogue, institutional accountability, and socio-economic development, not through prolonged emergency laws.tific planning, and synergy with national water policies, making Assam resilient against the twin challenges of floods and droughts.

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