India, March 27 -- Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said the Union home ministry has withdrawn provisions of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from Dibrugarh district in the state.

The AFSPA gives armed forces operating in disturbed areas sweeping powers to search, arrest and open fire if they deem it necessary for the "maintenance of public order" in areas which are notified as "disturbed". It will remain effective in Tinsukia, Sibsagar and Charaideo districts.

"At one-point, the entire Assam was under AFSPA provisions. Gradually, the Centre brought down areas in which the law would remain effective. Today the union home ministry decided to remove disturbed area tag from Dibrugarh. Now only three districts w...