AFSPA extended for 6 months
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 27 2023:
Citing unrest situation in the state, the government of Manipur on Wednesday extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in the entire state, excluding 19 police station areas including Imphal, for six months.
A notification issued by Commissioner (Home) T Ranjit Singh said: "The Governor of Manipur hereby accords approval to declare the entire state of Manipur, excluding the areas falling under the jurisdiction of 19 police stations, as "Disturbed Area" for a period of six months with effect from October 1.The "Disturbed Area" under the AFSPA was in force in the same areas earlier, whose tenure had lapsed recently.
Extending the AFSPA, the Commissioner (Home) said that the Governor is of the opinion that violent activities of various extremist/insur gent groups warrant the use of armed forces in aid of civil administration in the entire state, except the areas falling under the jurisdiction of 19 police stations - Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Sekmai, Lamsang, Patsoi, Wangoi, Porompat, Heingang, Lamlai, Irilbung, Leimakhong, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Nambol, Moirang, Kakching and Jiribam.
"It will be premature to arrive at any conclusion or decision on such a sensitive matter without detailed assessment, thereby not appropriate to review the Disturbed Area status of the state at the moment.
"The issue of declaration of 'Disturbed Area' status is very sensitive and may likely attract public criticism and resistance if proper care is not taken.
"Keeping in view the above and the overall law and order situation in the state and the capability of the state machineries, the state government has decided to maintain status quo on the present Disturbed Area status in the state of Manipur, excluding the areas falling under 19 police stations," the notification read.