Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 26: The Union Home Ministry on Friday extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for six months across Manipur, except in 13 police station areas, citing the prevailing law and order situation.

The law, which grants armed forces sweeping powers in “disturbed areas,” was also extended to nine districts in Nagaland, 21 police station areas across five other districts of the state, Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh, and three police station areas in Namsai district bordering Assam. The extensions will be effective from October 1, 2025.

In Manipur, AFSPA will not apply in Imphal West (Imphal, Lamphal, City, Singjamei, Patsoi, Wangoi), Imphal East (Porompat, Heingang, Irilbung), Thoubal, Bishnupur (Bishnupur, Nambol), and Kakching police station areas.

Manipur has been under President’s rule since February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh after ethnic violence claimed over 260 lives since May 2023. The state had largely been under AFSPA since 2004 until early 2022.