Renewed AFSPA Order in Manipur Amid Ongoing Violence

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act has been reimposed in six police station areas of Manipur, including Jiribam. This decision, taken due to ongoing ethnic violence, follows intense confrontations between security forces and militants, as well as abductions, all resulting in significant casualties and displacement.

In response to prolonged ethnic unrest, the Union Home Ministry reimposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in six police station zones within Manipur. Notably, the violence-stricken area of Jiribam falls under this renewed order.

This move follows continuous conflict fueled by tensions between Imphal Valley's Meiteis and the neighboring Kuki-Zo groups. The unrest has resulted in over 200 deaths and widespread displacement since its escalation in May last year.

Recent violence has included a deadly confrontation between militants and security forces, and the abduction of several civilians. The Manipur government previously imposed AFSPA across the state on October 1, though it initially spared 19 specific police station areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)