The Indian government has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for six months in Manipur (excluding certain areas), Nagaland (in specific districts and police station areas), and Arunachal Pradesh (in certain districts and police station areas). The extension, effective from October 1, 2025, comes in response to the prevailing law and order situation in these regions.
Manipur:
In Manipur, the AFSPA has been extended to the entire state, with the exception of areas falling under the jurisdiction of 13 police stations across five districts. The police stations excluded from the AFSPA's purview are Imphal, Lamphal, City, Singjamei, Patsoi, and Wangoi in Imphal West district; Porompat, Heingang, and Irilbung in Imphal East district; Thoubal in Thoubal district; and Bishnupur, Nambol, and Kakching in Bishnupur and Kakching districts respectively. The declaration has been in effect for the entire Manipur, except Imphal municipality area, since 2004 until early 2022. The AFSPA was reimposed on November 14, 2024, in six police stations across five districts of the valley after violent ethnic clashes erupted on May 3, 2023. President's Rule has been in effect in Manipur since February 13, 2023.
Nagaland:
In Nagaland, the AFSPA has been extended to nine districts: Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, Peren, and Meluri. Additionally, 21 police station areas in five other districts of the state are also included in the extension. These districts include Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng, Wokha, and Zunheboto.
Arunachal Pradesh:
The AFSPA extension in Arunachal Pradesh covers the districts of Tirap, Changlang, and Longding, as well as three police station areas bordering Assam in Namsai district. These police station areas are Namsai, Mahadevpur and Chowkham.
About AFSPA
The AFSPA grants armed forces operating in disturbed areas sweeping powers to search, arrest, and open fire if they deem it necessary. It is often criticized as a draconian law. Under the AFSPA, a particular state or areas are declared as "disturbed".
