<span style="color: #222222;">The Centre has decided to reduce disturbed areas under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Nagaland, Assam and Manipur after decades. In a series of tweets, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, the reduction in areas under the AFSPA is a result of the improved security situation and fast-tracked development due to consistent efforts and several agreements to end insurgency and bring lasting peace in the North East.<br />''<br />''He lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his unwavering commitment saying that the North-Eastern region, which was neglected for decades is now witnessing a new era of peace, prosperity and unprecedented development. The Minister congratulated the people of the North East on this momentous occasion.  <br />''<br />''Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that AFSPA will be withdrawn from 60 percent areas of the state from last night.<br />''<br />''Talking to media in Guwahati, the Chief Minister welcomed the decision of the Centre to withdraw AFSPA partially from 3 states of the North East. Mr. Sarma said the act will be in force only in 9 districts and 1 sub- division in Assam following the decision of the Centre. He said the withdrawal of the act would boost investment in North East.  <br />''<br />''The Chief Minister said with improvement in the law and order situation, the decision of the withdrawal of the act from the rest of the state will be taken.<br />''<br />''On the issue of peace talks with the ULFA pro talk group, Mr. Sarma said the concerned persons have fast tracked the process. </span><br />