A woman and her daughter walk along a road in Dhubri district, Assam on August 3, 2018. (Reuters Photo)

GUWAHATI: The Assam government on Wednesday issued a notification declaring the entire state as “a disturbed area” and extending the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act ( AFSPA ) for six more months as a precautionary measure to maintain order during the ongoing National Register of Citizens (NRC) update process. The final draft NRC is likely to be published by the end of the year.

“As per powers conferred under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, the Governor of Assam has declared the entire state of Assam as ‘disturbed area’ up to 6 months beyond August 28, 2018, unless withdrawn earlier,” the notification said.

Special director general (Assam Police) Pallab Bhattacharya said, “The situation is peaceful at the moment but we will not take a decision on withdrawing AFSPA until NRC exercise is over.”

In September last, the Centre delegated to Assam and Manipur power to impose or withdraw AFSPA, which gives special powers to Army engaged in counter-insurgency operations.

