NEW DELHI: (Mar 30)
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), which gives security forces special powers in areas facing disturbances, has been extended for six months in most parts of Manipur, except for 13 police station areas. This decision was taken due to the current law and order situation in the state.
AFSPA, which declares certain areas as “disturbed,” has also been extended in eight districts of Nagaland and 21 police station areas in five other districts of the state for six months, as per a notification from the Union Home Ministry.
In Arunachal Pradesh, the law will continue to be enforced in the districts of Tirap, Changlang, and Longding, along with three police station areas in Namsai district, for six months starting from April 1, following a review of the security situation in the Northeast.
What is AFSPA?
AFSPA, or the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, is a law enacted in 1958 that grants special powers to the armed forces in areas declared as “disturbed.” It allows security personnel to carry out operations, arrest individuals without warrants, and use force if necessary. The law is meant to help tackle insurgency and maintain law and order but has been controversial due to allegations of human rights violations. The government argues that AFSPA is essential for national security, while critics call for its repeal, citing misuse of power.
Why the Government Extended AFSPA
According to the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs), AFSPA is still needed in some parts of the Northeast due to the presence of armed insurgent groups and security threats. The government has justified the extension by stating that intelligence reports indicate continued threats in these regions.
An official stated, “AFSPA is only extended where there are security concerns. In areas where the situation has improved, the law has been removed.
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