Centre extends AFSPA in parts of Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal for six months

Imphal: The Ministry of Home Affairs announced a six-month extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in designated regions of Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, effective October 1.

Officials stated that the decision followed a comprehensive review of the security and law-and-order situation in the three northeastern states.

The extension coincides with a broader, progressive reduction of AFSPA’s footprint across the Northeast. Union Home Minister Amit Shah previously indicated the government’s intent to withdraw the Act from the majority of the region by next year.

However, the Centre has reissued the “disturbed area” status under Section 3 of the Act to maintain operations in specific volatile zones. The geographical breakdown of the latest directive includes:

The declaration covers the entire state of Manipur, excluding the jurisdictions of 13 police stations across Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching districts.

In Nagaland, the mandate covers nine complete districts, Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, Peren, and Meluri, alongside 21 police station jurisdictions spanning Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng, Wokha, and Zunheboto.

In Arunachal Pradesh, the Act remains active across Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts, as well as areas bordering Assam under the Namsai, Mahadevpur, and Chowkham police stations.

A “disturbed area” designation under Section 3 grants armed forces personnel enhanced legal powers, including statutory authority for searches, arrests, and the use of force.

While the law has been entirely repealed in Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Tripura, it remains active in select pockets of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has updated the official notifications on its website, reflecting a dual strategy of scaling down the law nationally while retaining it in critical border and security zones.

Opposition to the enforcement of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Manipur is rooted in decades of civil resistance against the powers and legal immunity it grants to security forces.

Groups such as the Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF), All Manipur United Clubs Organisation, and various Meira Paibi (women’s groups) frequently organise mass rallies demanding a complete repeal of what they call a “black law”.