AFSPA extended in Manipur, parts of Nagaland, Arunachal
New Delhi: The Indian Home Ministry extended the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Manipur and parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland by six months.
According to Kashmir Media Service, in strife-torn Manipur, the AFSPA has been extended in the entire state except in the jurisdiction of 13 police stations in five of the state’s valley districts.
The AFSPA, which is imposed in areas declared “disturbed”, has also been extended in eight districts of Nagaland and 21 police station areas in five other districts of the state by six months, according to a notification issued by the Indian Home Ministry.
The law has also been extended in Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh and three police station areas in Namsai district in the state by six months, beginning April 1.
The AFSPA, often criticised as a draconian law, gives the armed forces operating in disturbed areas sweeping powers to search, arrest and open fire if they deem it necessary.
President’s rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13.
