AFSPA extended for six months in parts of Nagaland, Arunachal

The Indian government has decided to extend the operation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in parts of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh by six months, citing persistent security challenges in the two northeastern states. The controversial law, which grants sweeping powers to armed forces in “disturbed areas,” will remain in effect. With AFSPA extended, eight districts and 21 police station jurisdictions in Nagaland, along with certain districts and areas in Arunachal Pradesh, will continue to see its operation during this period.

AFSPA extension details

According to a notification from the Union Home Ministry, the extension took effect from October 1, 2024, following a review of the law and order situation. The Nagaland districts affected include Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, and Peren. Additionally, areas falling under several police stations in Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng, Wokha, and Zunheboto districts have also been designated as “disturbed.”

In Arunachal Pradesh, AFSPA has been applied in Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts under Namsai, Mahadevpur, and Chowkham police stations of Namsai district sharing boundaries with Assam.

AFSPA: A controversial law

The AFSPA, enacted in 1958, allows security forces to search, arrest, and open fire when necessary to maintain public order in disturbed areas. The law has been contentious, with various human rights organizations and local groups in the northeastern states and Jammu and Kashmir calling for its repeal due to alleged misuse and human rights violations.

Government stance on AFSPA

Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said AFSPA has been withdrawn from 70 percent of the areas in northeast states and the central government is open to scraping the law in Jammu and Kashmir. But there are security issues in some areas as well, and hence the need to continue with the act.

Amid all this, there have been increasing demands from organizations and residents in northeastern states as well as in Jammu and Kashmir to withdraw the act, stating its draconian nature and its effect on civilian life. Amidst all this, the debates that have been going on are a testimony to how sensitive the balance is between national security and human rights in these volatile regions.

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