[India introduced AFSPA in 1958 to put down separatist movements in certain parts of the country. (Photo by= Getty Images)]

Authorities have withdrawn a controversial anti-insurgent law from large parts of north-eastern India after decades. Home Minister Amit Shah said that areas covered under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the states of Nagaland, Assam, and Manipur would be reduced from Friday, BBC reported.
 
India introduced AFSPA in 1958 to put down separatist movements. The law was first enforced in Manipur and later extended to other states. It is also in effect in Indian-administered Kashmir where it was imposed after the outbreak of armed insurgency in 1989. Mr. Shah said AFSPA had been lifted completely in 23 of Assam's 32 districts and partially in one. The law has been in effect in the state since 1990. The law had also been removed from areas falling under 15 police stations in six districts of Manipur and an equal number of police stations in seven districts of Nagaland, he said.
 
Human rights campaigners say AFSPA is often misused and has called for its repeal for decades. Calls to repeal the law intensified after six civilians were killed in an army ambush in Nagaland's Mon district in December. Eight more civilians died after troops shot at angry protesters who attacked the army's camp.
The law will, however, continue to remain in effect on Mon.