AFSPA Extended for Six Months in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Nagaland Amid Security Concerns

The Union Home Ministry has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958, for another six months in certain areas of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Nagaland after reviewing the prevailing law and order and security situations. The extension will come into effect from October 1, 2025, and will remain in force until March 31, 2026, unless revoked earlier.

AFSPA in Arunachal Pradesh

The Ministry declared Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts of Arunachal Pradesh as disturbed areas. In addition, the Namsai, Mahadevpur, and Chowkham police station areas in Namsai district, which share borders with Assam, have also been brought under AFSPA. Officials stated that the decision followed a detailed assessment of security challenges in the region.

AFSPA in Manipur

In violence-hit Manipur, AFSPA has been extended across the state for six months, excluding the areas falling under the jurisdiction of 13 police stations across five districts. These exempted areas include parts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching districts.

Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025, following the resignation of former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amid escalating ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. Since May 2023, the violence has claimed over 260 lives and displaced thousands of people.

Earlier, from 2004 to 2022, the entire state (except Imphal municipal area) was under AFSPA. Partial relaxation was given in April 2022, but the law was reimposed in most areas in October 2024 after fresh unrest in Jiribam district.

AFSPA in Nagaland

The Home Ministry also extended AFSPA in nine districts of Nagaland — Dimapur, Niuland, Chumaukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, Peren, and Meluri. Additionally, several police station areas in Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng, Wokha, and Zunheboto districts have been declared disturbed areas for the next six months.

Why AFSPA is Controversial

The AFSPA grants sweeping powers to the armed forces in disturbed areas, including the authority to search, arrest, and even use force or open fire if deemed necessary. While the government argues that it is crucial to combat insurgency and maintain public order, critics and human rights groups have often labeled it a draconian law, citing concerns about misuse and violation of civil rights.