The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for six more months in selected areas of Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh due to continuing security challenges in these northeastern states.
In Manipur, AFSPA will remain in force across the entire state except for 13 police station areas in five districts: Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching. This extension follows a review of the law and order situation, which remains fragile due to ongoing ethnic violence that has claimed over 250 lives since May 2023.
In Nagaland, the act is extended in eight districts-Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, and Peren, along with 21 police station areas in five other districts. The government cited persistent insurgency and security concerns as reasons for the extension.
For Arunachal Pradesh, AFSPA will continue in the districts of Tirap, Changlang, and Longding, as well as three police station areas in Namsai district, which borders Assam. These areas have faced ongoing security issues that necessitate the continued application of the act.
The AFSPA grants the armed forces broad powers, including the authority to arrest without a warrant and to use force, including lethal force, in designated “disturbed areas.” However, the law remains controversial, with critics pointing to allegations of human rights violations.
The government’s decision to renew AFSPA underscores the complex security situation in Northeast India, where ethnic tensions and insurgent activities continue to challenge peace and stability.
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