Manipur government extends AFSPA in hill districts for 6 months

Contact Counsellor

Last Updated03/10/2024

The provisions of the Act will be extended to the whole State, except 19 police station limits in seven valley districts, thus maintaining the status quo.

The Manipur government has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the hill districts for another six months, starting from October 1, 2024. The act will cover the entire state except for 19 police station areas in seven valley districts, which maintains the status quo set since March 2023.

Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 3, 2023, between the tribal Kuki-Zo people in the hills and the Meitei community in the valley.
This violence has led to over 237 deaths and displaced more than 60,000 people. Despite 16 months passing, the violence has persisted.

The Governor of Manipur justified the extension, citing the violent activities of various insurgent groups, which necessitate the use of armed forces to assist the civil administration. However, 19 police stations under Imphal, Lamphel, and other regions are exempt from the provisions of AFSPA.
The notification further stated that the “disturbed area” status could not be reviewed or assessed thoroughly due to ongoing law and order concerns. Thus, it would be premature to make any changes without a detailed evaluation.

Enacted in 1958, AFSPA grants the military and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) the authority to:
- Arrest or kill individuals acting against the law.
- Search premises without a warrant.
- Be protected from prosecution or legal suits without the sanction of the Central government.

AFSPA has been applicable in Manipur since 1981.
The act had been in force in Naga-dominated areas of the Union Territory of Manipur since 1958.
Manipur attained Statehood in 1972, and the act has remained since.
In 2004, AFSPA was withdrawn from the Imphal Municipality area.

In April 2022, the act was removed from 15 police station areas in six districts.
From April 1, 2023, it was further withdrawn from four other police stations.
Currently, notifications for Manipur are issued by the State Government, whereas the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issues them for Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.