In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, said that the security situation in the northeastern states has seen significant improvement since 2014.
Compared to 2014, there has been a 71% reduction in insurgency incidents, a 60% decrease in the number of security forces personnel deaths, and an 82% decrease in civilian fatalities in 2023.
The MoS further stated that there has been a considerable reduction in ‘disturbed areas’ under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958. He further highlighted that the application of this Act has been completely withdrawn from Tripura and Meghalaya with effect from 27 May 2015 and 1 April 2018, respectively.
From Assam, it has been completely withdrawn except in four districts.
From Arunachal Pradesh, it has been gradually withdrawn and is now applicable only in three police station areas in Namsai district and three other districts, i.e., Tirap, Changlang, and Longding.
In Manipur, it has been withdrawn from 19 police station areas in seven districts.
In Nagaland, it has been partly withdrawn and is now applicable only in eight districts and 21 police station areas in five other districts.