Armed Forces Special Powers Act extends to entire Manipur, few districts of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh :
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), which grants sweeping powers to the armed forces operating in disturbed areas, has been extended for another six months across most of Manipur, except 13 police station jurisdictions. The extension comes in response to the prevailing law and order situation in the state.
In addition to Manipur, the Union Home Ministry has also extended the AFSPA in eight districts of Nagaland and 21 police station areas across five other districts for the same six-month period. The notification states that the act will remain in force from April 1, 2025, unless withdrawn earlier.
Furthermore, in Arunachal Pradesh, the law has been extended to the districts of Tirap, Changlang, and Longding, along with three police station areas in Namsai district.
AFSPA is a controversial law that provides extraordinary powers to the armed forces deployed in disturbed areas. Under this act, security personnel can:
- Conduct searches, make arrests, and even use lethal force if deemed necessary.
- Operate with immunity, as legal action against them requires prior approval from the central government.
Due to these provisions, the law has often been criticized as draconian, with many human rights organizations and activists calling for its repeal or modification.
While the act has been extended in most of Manipur, certain areas have been excluded from its purview. The following 13 police station areas across five districts will not fall under AFSPA’s jurisdiction:
- Imphal
- Lamphal
- City
- Singjamei
- Patsoi
- Wangoi
- Porompat
- Heingang
- Irilbung
- Thoubal
- Bishnupur
- Nambol
- Kakching
The Home Ministry’s notification highlighted that the decision to keep these areas out of AFSPA’s scope was based on improved security conditions in these regions.
The central government periodically reviews the law and order situation in AFSPA-imposed states. The recent decision to extend its implementation was made after assessing ongoing security concerns, especially in areas experiencing insurgency and unrest.
While some regions have witnessed relative stability, others continue to be affected by militant activities and violence, making the continuation of AFSPA necessary, according to authorities.
The extension of AFSPA will remain a contentious issue, with supporters arguing it is crucial for national security, while critics demand its revocation, citing alleged human rights violations.
