Government Extends AFSPA in Manipur Amid Public Concerns

The government has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Manipur for another six months, excluding 19 police station areas in the Imphal valley and a region bordering Assam. The extension, effective from October 1, has raised public sensitivity and may attract criticism. The AFSPA gives armed forces extensive powers in disturbed areas. Ethnic violence in Manipur has intensified tensions recently.

The government on Monday extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) by another six months in Manipur, excluding 19 police station areas within the Imphal valley and a region that shares a boundary with Assam.

According to a notification from the state government's Home Department, the extension will be effective from October 1.

'The state government believes, considering the current law and order situation, that a detailed on-ground assessment is not required as security agencies are busy maintaining order,' the notification stated.

The notification also mentioned that any declaration of Disturbed Area status is sensitive and could provoke public criticism if not handled properly.

'The governor of Manipur hereby approves the declaration of the entire state, excluding the areas under 19 police stations, as a Disturbed Area for six months starting October 1,' read the notification signed by Commissioner (Home) N Ashok Kumar.

The excluded police station areas are dominated by the Meitei community. The Disturbed Area tag was first removed from Imphal Municipality in 2004 and from 15 police stations in six districts in April 2022. It was further removed from four police stations in April 2023. The AFSPA grants armed forces sweeping powers to search, arrest, and open fire if necessary. Manipur has seen significant violence since ethnic clashes between Meiteis and Kukis began on May 3 of last year, resulting in over 200 deaths and thousands left homeless.

(With inputs from agencies.)