Centre Extends AFSPA in Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh Amid Security Concerns

— by vishal Sambyal

The Indian government has extended AFSPA in parts of Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh for six months, citing ongoing security concerns and insurgent activities.

Introduction: A Law That Divides Opinion

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), one of India’s most controversial security laws, has once again been extended in parts of the northeast. Effective October 1, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) notified the continuation of AFSPA in areas of Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh for another six months. While officials argue the law is essential to tackle insurgency and restore order, human rights groups and local communities continue to demand its repeal, calling it draconian.

Context & Background: AFSPA and Its Legacy

Enacted in 1958, AFSPA grants sweeping powers to the armed forces in areas declared “disturbed.” Security personnel can search, arrest, and even open fire if deemed necessary to maintain public order. The Act was originally meant for Assam and Manipur but was later extended to other northeastern states, including Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram.

Over the decades, AFSPA has been credited with containing insurgencies but also criticized for human rights violations. While Tripura (2015) and Meghalaya (2018) saw its complete withdrawal, parts of the northeast remain under its shadow. Calls for its repeal intensified after the 2021 Mon district incident in Nagaland, where 14 civilians were killed in a botched anti-insurgency operation.

Main Developments: Where the Law Stands Now

According to the latest notification:

  • Manipur: The entire state remains under AFSPA, except areas under 13 police stations across five districts. Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, following Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s resignation amid ongoing ethnic violence that has claimed over 260 lives since May 2023.
  • Nagaland: The law has been extended in nine districts and 21 police station areas across five other districts.
  • Arunachal Pradesh: AFSPA continues in Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts, along with three police station areas in Namsai district bordering Assam.

The government justified the extension citing ongoing insurgent activity, cross-border militant movements, and the fragile security situation.

Expert Insight & Public Reaction

Security analysts argue that the extension reflects the Centre’s cautious approach in the face of simmering tensions. “AFSPA provides operational flexibility to the armed forces in high-risk areas where insurgents are still active,” says retired Lt. Gen. B.S. Jaswal.

However, civil society groups and human rights advocates strongly oppose the move. “Extending AFSPA only deepens mistrust between the government and the people of the northeast,” notes activist Neingulo Krome of the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights. “Peace cannot be achieved through militarization but through dialogue and political engagement.”

Local communities remain divided—some believe the Act provides a sense of security against insurgent threats, while others fear its misuse and arbitrary enforcement.

Impact & Implications: Security vs. Rights

The extension underscores the Centre’s assessment that militancy remains a significant challenge in the northeast. With Manipur already grappling with ethnic violence, the imposition of AFSPA adds another layer of militarization in the region.

For residents, the law represents a double-edged sword: protection from insurgents on one hand, but vulnerability to state overreach on the other. For policymakers, it signals the difficulty of balancing national security with human rights.

Looking ahead, the continuation of AFSPA could complicate peace talks with insurgent groups and widen the trust deficit between local populations and the central government.

Conclusion: A Cycle Yet to Break

The extension of AFSPA in parts of Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh highlights India’s long-standing struggle in the northeast—navigating between security imperatives and democratic accountability. As the law remains in force, the debate over its necessity versus its human cost is unlikely to fade. Until lasting peace and political solutions take root, AFSPA’s shadow will continue to loom over the region.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It provides an overview of recent government decisions and the debate surrounding AFSPA. Readers are encouraged to refer to official government notifications and verified reports for detailed updates.