AFSPA extended in Manipur by 6 months

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) was extended by the government on Monday for an additional six months in Manipur, with the exception of 19 police station areas that are part of the Imphal valley and an area that borders Assam. AFSPA extended in Manipur aims to maintain law and order in the region amidst ongoing tensions.

The Home Department of the state government said in a statement that the extension would take effect on October 1. “The state government is of the opinion after analysing the prevailing law and order situation in the state that it is not expedient to have a detailed assessment on the ground as security agencies are preoccupied with maintenance of law and order,” the notification said.

It said that the designation of an area as a disturbed area is a very delicate matter that, if handled carelessly, might lead to opposition and condemnation from the general public.

The notification, which was signed by Commissioner (Home) N Ashok Kumar, stated: “The governor of Manipur hereby accords approval to declare the entire state of Manipur excluding the areas falling under the jurisdiction of 19 police stations… as Disturbed Area for a period of six months with effect from 1st October”.

Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Sekmai, Lamsang, Patsoi, Wangoi, Porompat, Heingang, Lamlai, Iribung, Leimakhong, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Nambol, Moirang, Kakching, and Jiribam are among the police station locations where the disturbed locations have not been enforced.

The majority Meitei community resides in the regions that are exempt from AFSPA’s jurisdiction.

The disturbed area designation was initially withdrawn from the Imphal Municipality areas in 2004 and was removed from 15 police stations in six districts in April 2022. In April 2023, the affected region was taken out of four further police stations.

The AFSPA grants military personnel working in unrest broad authority to search, apprehend, and use force if required.

Since ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kukis broke out in Manipur on May 3 of last year, over 200 people have died and hundreds have been left homeless. Meiteis make up around 53% of the population of Manipur and are mostly found in the Imphal valley, while tribal people, such as the Nagas and Kukis, make up 40% of the population and are primarily found in the hill regions.

You might also be interested in – The Home Minister has been actively involved in reviewing the security situation on a regular basis.