AFSPA Extended for Six Months in Parts of Three Northeastern States

AFSPA Extended in Parts of Northeast for Six Months

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) for another six months from 1 October 2026 in parts of Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, following a review of the security situation.

Key Provisions of AFSPA

• Section 3 – Disturbed Area: The Central Government, Governor/Administrator can declare an area as a “disturbed area” when it is considered to be in such a disturbed or dangerous condition that armed forces are required to aid civil power.

• Section 4 – Special Powers: In a disturbed area, armed forces personnel can:

  • Use force, including lethal force, after giving due warning in specified circumstances.

  • Arrest without warrant persons suspected of certain offences.

  • Search premises without warrant and seize relevant material.

• Section 6 – Legal Protection: Prosecution or legal proceedings against personnel for acts done under AFSPA require prior sanction of the Central Government. This provision has been a major point of debate surrounding the Act.

Current Geographical Coverage

• Manipur: AFSPA covers the State except areas under 13 police stations in five Valley districts.

• Nagaland: It continues in nine districts and areas under 21 police stations in five other districts.

• Arunachal Pradesh: It covers Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts, along with areas under Namsai, Mahadevpur and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district.

Background

AFSPA was enacted in 1958, initially in response to the Naga Hills uprising, and was subsequently extended to address insurgency in other parts of the Northeast.

In Manipur, AFSPA had been progressively withdrawn from several areas as the security situation improved, including Valley areas during 2022–23. However, the ethnic conflict that began on 3 May 2023 led to its reimposition in some areas.

MCQ English

Q1. With reference to the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, consider the following statements:

1. Under Section 3, an area can be declared a “disturbed area”.
2. AFSPA provides certain powers to armed forces personnel, including arrest without warrant.
3. Prosecution for acts done under AFSPA requires prior sanction of the Central Government.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
 (b) 2 and 3 only
 (c) 1 and 3 only
 (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

• Section 3 deals with the declaration of a disturbed area.
• Section 4 provides specified special powers, including arrest without warrant.
• Section 6 provides protection against prosecution or legal proceedings without prior Central Government sanction.
• AFSPA is primarily associated with areas facing serious internal security challenges.