AGARTALA, May 27 (TIWN): Tripura government has repealed two decades old Armed Forces Special Powers Act, (AFSPA) from the state with immediate effect, said Chief Minister Manik Sarkar.Sarkar told media the decision was taken in the meeting of council of ministers on Wednesday. Both tribal based opposition IPFT and INPT have been demanding abolish of the draconian Act, which they termed as instrument to oppress the tribals.According to them, several innocent tribals were faced atrocities and torture even killed and booked under law by the security forces whenever they raise voice for rights.“Insurgency activities in the state are now reduced almost at zero. The demand for repealing of AFSPA has been persuaded at various levels. But we could not decide it because the security forces did not cleared the nod,” Sarkar stated.AFSPA was promulgated in the state in Feb 16, 1997 due to relentless violence and bloodshed. As per the provisions of the Act, it was reviewed and extended in every six months for past 20 years.“Recently, when the proposal of further extension of AFSPA came to the government, we sought report from all concerns about latest law and order situation in regard to extremists’ presence and activities. Finally, the security agencies have agreed to the proposal of repealing the Act,” Sarkar added.Sarkar attributed that initially, AFSPA was promulgated across two-third of the total police station areas but gradually the coverage of the Act was reduced with the improving situation.At present AFSPA is in operational fully in 26 police stations areas and partially in four police station areas out of 74 police stations and 36 out posts of Tripura.

“There is a qualitative change in the law and order situation and the development of the state is in take off stage. Peace loving people don’t want violence rather insisted the government for development at par with rest of the country. So we also reviewed it found AFSPA need not to be extended anymore,” he mentioned.

With the decision of repealing of the Act, civilians’ movement on National Highway 44 has been extended till 12 o’clock at night, which is now allowed till 2200 hrs, Sarkar added.

Regarding repatriation of Bru inmates from six camps of North Tripura to Mizoram, he maintained that central government had made several attempt to send them in their home state but due to negative attitude of the Mizoram government and section of self-styled Bru leaders had prevented it.

“Again Ministry of Home Affairs has initiated the process following direction of the apex court we are sincerely trying to repatriate them in Mizoram for their secure future. We are hoping Mizoram government also cooperate in the process and ensure their safety and other basic needs,” he commented.  

Replying on a query to accompany Modi in Dhaka, Sarkar said the state government did not receive any communication from PMO yet regarding this. However, if Prime Minister decide and propose, the government will act suitably.

He however, hopes that upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Dhaka will resolved all contentious issues of India and Bangladesh including transit facilities for Indians and direct Agartala-Kolkata bus service via Dhaka.