The Government of Tripura has (in May 2015) decided to withdraw the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act from the State. The Tripura government lifted the AFSPA from the state, where the controversial law was in effect for the last 18 years to curb insurgency. There was no requirement of the Act as the insurgency problem has largely been contained. This Act was imposed in the state on 16th February, 1997 following a spurt of violence by the ultras.