The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Sunday extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) across Manipur, except for 13 police station areas, for another six months due to the prevailing law and order situation. The Act has also been extended in eight districts of Nagaland, 21 police station areas in five other districts, and in three districts of Arunachal Pradesh along with parts of Namsai district.
AFSPA extension in Nagaland
In Nagaland, AFSPA will continue to remain in force in Dimapur, Niuland, Chümoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, and Peren districts. Additionally, 21 police station areas in five other districts will remain under AFSPA for the next six months.
The areas declared as “disturbed” under Section 3 of the Act include:
· Kohima District – Khuzama, Kohima North, Kohima South, Zubza, and Kezocha police stations.
· Mokokchung District – Mangkolemba, Mokokchung-1, Longtho, Tuli, Longchem, and Anaki ‘C’ police stations.
· Longleng District – Yanglok police station.
· Wokha District – Bhandari, Champang, and Ralan police stations.
· Zunheboto District – Ghatashi, Pughoboto, Satakha, Suruhuto, Zunheboto, and Aghunato police stations.
According to the notification, these areas are designated as “disturbed” under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 for a period of six months, effective April 1, 2025, unless withdrawn earlier.
AFSPA extension in Manipur
In Manipur, AFSPA has been extended across the entire state except for 13 police station areas, following a review of the law and order situation. The exempted areas include: Imphal, Lamphal, City, Singjamei, Patsoi, Wangoi, Porompat, Heingang, Irilbung, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Nambol, and Kakching.
AFSPA extension in Arunachal Pradesh
In Arunachal Pradesh, AFSPA has been extended for six months in the districts of Tirap, Changlang, and Longding. Additionally, the Act will be enforced in Namsai, Mahadevpur, and Chowkham police stations under Namsai district. The extension aims to address security concerns in these areas.
About AFSPA
Enacted in 1958, the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act grants special powers to the Indian Armed Forces to maintain public order in ‘disturbed areas.’ These powers include the authority to prohibit gatherings, use force, and enter and search premises without a warrant. The Act has been a subject of debate, with proponents citing its necessity for national security and critics raising concerns about potential human rights violations.