Special Power to Assam Rifles; Cong, AGP oppose

After giving the special power to Assam Rifles personnel in 5 Northeast States, the opposition parties of the state have criticized the BJP-led centre for taking such decisions.

"It is a threat to democracy, it will trample the basic rights of citizens": said Debabrat Saikia, the current leader of opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly.

"Again, people of Assam are going to face assault from armed forces like the days of Assam agitation"- said AGP MLA Pabindra Deka.

The opposition parties have created an uproarious scene in the Assam Assembly on Friday. The opposition leaders had demanded to withdraw the move of central government, which goes against the Indian constitution.

According to a Home Ministry notification, "an officer of the rank corresponding to that of the lowest rank of members of the Assam Rifles" has been given these powers under the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Assam Rifles personnel will exercise these powers and discharge their duties "under sub-section(1) of section 41, sections 47, 48, 49, 51, 53, 54, 149, 150, 151 and 152 of the CrPC within the local limits of the area… within the border districts of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram", the notification said.