Guwahati, Mar 28: The Union Home Ministry has withdrawn the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from Assam’s Dibrugarh district, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Thursday. However, the act remains in force in Tinsukia, Sivasagar, and Charaideo districts.

Speaking at a press conference at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Guwahati, the Chief Minister said the decision followed the state government’s request to remove AFSPA from Dibrugarh as part of its plan to develop the district as Assam’s second capital. He expressed optimism that more districts would be excluded from the act in the next review.

Meanwhile, Japan has downgraded its travel advisory for Assam, lowering the risk level from 2 to 1. The revised advisory, issued on March 25, cited improved security conditions while noting that militant activities persist in four districts. This follows Australia’s recent modification of its travel advisory, allowing travel to Assam except for four districts.