AFSPA extended in Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh: What does the law mean? | Explained
The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in parts of Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh for another six months. The law grants security forces expanded powers in regions designated as 'disturbed areas'.
Why it matters
The extension of this controversial law reflects ongoing security concerns and ethnic tensions in Northeast India, balancing state authority with civil rights concerns.
The Story So Far : The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in parts of Manipur , Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh for another six months from October 1, 2026.
In Manipur, the entire State has been declared a “disturbed area” under AFSPA, barring the jurisdictions of 13 police stations in five Valley districts: Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Patsoi, Wangoi, Porompat, Heingang, Irilbung, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Nambol and Kakching.
The latest order comes against the backdrop of the ethnic conflict that erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023. Though AFSPA had progressively been withdrawn from several areas of the State before the conflict, MHA began restoring it in some areas after the security situation deteriorated.
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