Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: (Waari Singbul Network) The controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) has been extended for another six months in Manipur, sparking renewed debate over its enforcement. In an official notification issued today, the central government, exercising powers under Section 3 of the Act, declared the entire state of Manipur—excluding 13 police station jurisdictions across five districts—as a “disturbed area.” The extension takes effect from April 1, 2025, and will remain in force for six months unless withdrawn earlier.
The decision comes amid ongoing concerns about security and insurgency in the region, with the government citing the need for special powers to maintain law and order. The central government’s managing the status quo of excluding specific police station areas, reflects a nuanced approach to the Act’s application.
AFSPA, which grants armed forces broad powers including the right to search, arrest, and use lethal force, has long been a point of contention in Manipur and other affected states. Critics, including human rights groups and local activists, argue that it leads to abuses of power and alienates communities, while supporters maintain it is essential for countering militancy.
The extension follows a periodic review, a practice undertaken every six months in areas designated as “disturbed” by parliamentary decree. As Manipur braces for another half-year under AFSPA, calls for its repeal are likely to intensify, setting the stage for further political and social discourse.
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