New Delhi: The Central Government has announced an extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in various districts of Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh for another six months, effective from April 1, 2025. This decision follows a comprehensive review of the prevailing law and order situation in these states, particularly in light of ongoing ethnic violence, insurgency-related activities, and heightened security concerns.
The extension of AFSPA continues to be a subject of intense debate, as the act provides the armed forces with sweeping powers, including the authority to conduct operations, detain individuals without warrants, and use force if deemed necessary to maintain public order. While the government justifies the act as essential for counter-insurgency measures, human rights organizations and civil society groups have long opposed its implementation, citing concerns over alleged misuse and human rights violations.
What is AFSPA? Understanding Its Provisions and Significance
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, was originally enacted to address insurgency in the northeastern states of India. The law designates specific regions as “disturbed areas,” thereby granting the armed forces extraordinary powers to take action without prior legal sanctions.
Key provisions of AFSPA include:
- Authority to Use Force: Security forces are permitted to use force, including lethal measures, against individuals suspected of engaging in unlawful activities if they fail to comply with directives.
- Arrest Without Warrant: Military personnel can detain individuals based on suspicion alone, without requiring a formal arrest warrant.
- Legal Immunity: No prosecution or legal proceedings can be initiated against armed forces personnel for actions taken under AFSPA unless explicitly sanctioned by the central government.
- Search and Seizure: Security forces can enter and search premises without prior permission if they suspect a threat to national security or public order.
The government contends that AFSPA is essential for maintaining stability in regions with insurgency threats, while critics argue that it has led to significant human rights concerns, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and custodial deaths.
Extension of AFSPA in Manipur: A Response to Ethnic Clashes and Instability
Manipur remains one of the most volatile states in the Northeast, plagued by ongoing ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. Since the eruption of violence in May 2023, over 260 lives have been lost, and thousands have been displaced from their homes. The situation worsened to the extent that President’s Rule was imposed on February 13, 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
Under the latest extension, AFSPA will continue to be enforced in all areas of Manipur except 13 police station jurisdictions. These exempted areas include:
- Imphal West: City Police, Lamphel, Imphal, and Singjamei police stations.
- Imphal East: Porompat and Heingang police stations.
- Thoubal: Yairipok and Lilong police stations.
- Bishnupur: Nambol and Moirang police stations.
- Kakching: Kakching and Sugnu police stations.
Security analysts highlight that the law’s extension in Manipur is primarily due to the fragile situation in districts where armed groups continue to be active. The presence of numerous underground militant organizations has led to continued violence, with reports of attacks on security personnel and civilians alike.
AFSPA in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh: Addressing Insurgency Threats
Nagaland, another state impacted by insurgency-related activities, has also seen an extension of AFSPA. The law will remain in force in eight districts, namely:
- Dimapur
- Niuland
- Chumoukedima
- Mon
- Kiphire
- Noklak
- Phek
- Peren
Additionally, specific police station jurisdictions in Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng, Wokha, and Zunheboto districts will continue to be classified as disturbed areas.
In Arunachal Pradesh, AFSPA has been extended in three districts—Tirap, Changlang, and Longding—where insurgent groups remain active. Furthermore, the act will continue to apply to specific police station areas in Namsai district, including:
- Namsai Police Station
- Mahadevpur Police Station
- Chowkham Police Station
Government officials justify the extension by citing intelligence inputs indicating ongoing insurgent activities, particularly from groups such as the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) factions and other militant organizations operating along the Indo-Myanmar border.
Government’s Justification vs. Public Opposition
The Ministry of Home Affairs has reiterated that the extension of AFSPA is necessary to counter insurgent threats and maintain stability in the region. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has previously stated that the government has been working towards reducing the scope of AFSPA, noting that it has been withdrawn from nearly 70% of the Northeast over the past decade.
However, opposition parties, human rights groups, and local activists continue to oppose AFSPA’s presence, arguing that it enables excessive use of force and human rights violations. Activists like Irom Chanu Sharmila, who protested against AFSPA for 16 years, have described the act as draconian, calling for its repeal.
Past Recommendations for AFSPA Repeal
The Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee, constituted in 2005 to review AFSPA, had recommended its complete repeal, stating that the act had created deep distrust among civilians and failed to achieve its objectives. The committee proposed incorporating essential provisions of AFSPA into the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), thereby ensuring accountability while addressing security concerns.
Despite these recommendations, successive governments have continued to enforce AFSPA in areas deemed vulnerable to insurgency.
Future Implications and the Road Ahead
The extension of AFSPA underscores the ongoing security challenges in the Northeast, particularly in Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh. The act’s enforcement has sparked significant debate over the balance between national security and human rights.
Looking ahead, the government may explore a phased withdrawal of AFSPA, depending on improvements in the security situation. However, as long as insurgency-related activities and ethnic conflicts persist, AFSPA is likely to remain a contentious aspect of governance in these regions.
FAQs
1. Why has AFSPA been extended in Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh?
The extension is due to ongoing insurgency threats, ethnic violence, and security challenges that necessitate a strong counter-insurgency framework.
2. What areas are exempt from AFSPA in Manipur?
AFSPA does not apply to 13 police station jurisdictions in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching districts.
3. What powers does AFSPA grant to security forces?
It grants armed forces the authority to use force, conduct searches and arrests without warrants, and provides them with legal immunity for actions taken in “disturbed areas.”
4. Why is AFSPA considered controversial?
Critics argue that it enables human rights violations, excessive use of force, and lack of accountability among security personnel.
5. Is there a possibility of AFSPA being repealed in the future?
The government has removed AFSPA from several areas over the years. However, its complete repeal will depend on significant improvements in security conditions and a political consensus on alternative measures.
