New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry has announced a six-month extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in parts of the Northeast, including Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, citing ongoing security concerns and the need to maintain law and order. The extension, effective from October 1, comes amid a sensitive security situation in the region.
The most significant declaration affects Manipur, where the entire state, grappling with intense ethnic violence since May 2023, continues to be designated a “disturbed area.” However, certain exemptions have been maintained, excluding 13 police stations across five valley districts—Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching. This partial removal reflects a cautious reduction of AFSPA’s reach in more stable urban centres, while enforcement continues across the rest of the state, which remains under President’s Rule.
AFSPA grants the armed forces sweeping powers to search premises, arrest without a warrant, and use lethal force with legal immunity. While the government maintains that the law is essential for combating insurgency and separatist activities, it has long faced criticism from human rights activists and local populations as a “draconian” measure that enables impunity and alleged human rights violations.
Beyond Manipur, AFSPA has been extended for six months in nine districts and 21 police station areas in Nagaland, and in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts, along with three police station areas in Namsai district bordering Assam. These regions are considered volatile due to historical militancy and proximity to sensitive borders.
The Centre’s decision underscores a cautious approach, balancing continued enforcement in troubled areas with gradual steps toward reducing AFSPA’s footprint in select locations across the Northeast.
