armed-forces-act-extended-in-arunachal-pradesh-nagaland-districts-for-six-months

The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in three districts of Arunachal Pradesh, along with eight districts of Nagaland and other specified regions, for an additional six months.

 

This decision follows a comprehensive review of the prevailing law and order situation in these northeastern states.

 

Under the AFSPA, areas designated as "disturbed" are subject to enhanced security force operations, granting personnel extensive powers to conduct searches, make arrests, and utilise force if deemed necessary for maintaining public order.

 

A notification issued by the Union Home Ministry delineated the extension of AFSPA in the Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts of Arunachal Pradesh, as well as specific areas under the jurisdiction of Namsai, Mahadevpur, and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district, bordering Assam.

 

These areas have been designated as "disturbed" effective from April 1, 2024, unless withdrawn earlier.

 

Similarly, in Nagaland, AFSPA has been extended to encompass eight districts and 21 police stations across five districts for an additional six months, starting from October 1, 2023.

 

The affected districts include Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, and Peren, along with specified police stations in various districts.

 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah previously remarked on the reduction of AFSPA coverage in 70% of areas across northeastern states, contrasting with its continued implementation in Jammu and Kashmir.

 

He also indicated the government's willingness to consider the revocation of AFSPA in Jammu and Kashmir during a statement on March 26.

 

Calls for the repeal of AFSPA have been voiced by various organizations and individuals in both Jammu and Kashmir and the northeastern states, prompting ongoing deliberations regarding its future.