The government of Tripura has decided to withdraw the AFSPA from the entire state from May 27, 2015. Announcing this at a press conference Chief minister Manik Sarkar said that state cabinet has decided to withdraw this Act and notification to this effect shall be issued soon. Two-thirds of the state was declared disturbed under the provisions of the Act from February 16, 1997 onwards due to the severe threat posed by the activities of extremists.
From 74 police stations and 36 outposts, the number of police stations were the Act was in force was gradually brought down to 26 as the situation improved. With this Cabinet decision the Act will no longer be in force anywhere in the state.
The decision was taken after a thorough review of the law and order situation in the state by the state police department which opined that in view of the prevailing scenario the operation of this Act is no longer required in the state. There has been a tremendous and qualitative change in the situation. Manik Sarkar exuded confidence that the decision would be welcomed by the people.