In a first, Assam extends AFSPA to entire state

For the first time since 1990, the Assam government exercised its power under the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) by declaring the entire state "disturbed" for six months.

Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs — that deals with the subject — informed the state government to take a decision on the continuation of AFSPA on its own after making necessary assessments.

Armed forces deployed in disturbed areas are empowered to arrest, search any premises and even shoot anyone without any warrant.

Assam was first declared a 'disturbed' area under AFSPA in 1990 when the state had witnessed massive violence perpetrated by the banned insurgent group ULFA. President's rule was imposed after dismissing the then-AGP government headed by Prafulla Kumar Mahanta.

Since then, the central government has been exercising powers given under AFSPA. Officials said there were 75 incidents of violence in Assam in 2016, in which 33 people, including four security personnel, died, and 14 others were abducted. Insurgent groups such as ULFA and NDFB perpetrate violence in Assam.

However, the central government order declaring the 20-km belt in Meghalaya bordering Assam, and three districts of Arunachal Pradesh — Tirap, Changlang, and Longding — and areas falling within the jurisdiction of 14 police stations in nine other districts in Arunachal Pradesh as 'disturbed' will continue till September 30.

Armed forces deployed in disturbed areas are empowered to arrest, search any premises and even shoot anyone without any warrant.
As per Section 3 of AFSPA, it can be invoked in places where "the use of armed forces in aid of the civil power is necessary".
Both Centre and state governments can declare areas 'disturbed' under the Act.