Govt extends AFSPA for six months
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 30 2024: The state government has extended the "disturbed area" status and Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) across the state, excluding regions under the jurisdiction of 19 police stations, for another six months effective from October 1, 2024.Despite speculations that coverage of areas under the pro-military law might be expanded in view of the unrest situation and reports of unlawful activities committed by armed elements, there is no change mentioned in the government notification.

The areas already exempted from purview of the AFSPA Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Sekmai, Lamsang, Patsoi, Wangoi, Porompat, Heingang, Lamlai, Irilbung, Leimakhong, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Nambol, Moirang, Kakching, and Jiribam police stations.

The government cited continuation of AFSPA to ongoing violent activities by extremist and insurgent groups.

The order, issued by commissioner (Home) N Ashok Kumar, said that a detailed assessment of the situation is not feasible at this time as security forces are preoccupied with law-and-order duties.

In 2022, the N Biren-government further eased restrictions by repealing AFSPA from areas under nine more police stations across six districts with the same process continued in April 2023, when the Act was revoked from the jurisdiction of four additional police stations, bringing the total number of exempted police stations to 19.The AFSPA gives sweeping powers to the armed forces operating in disturbed areas to search, arrest and open fire if they deem it necessary.

The government also raised concerns that reviewing the "disturbed area" status too soon could lead to public unrest and criticism, stressing that maintaining the current designation is necessary to ensure stability in the state.

The extension allows the armed forces to continue assisting civil administration in dealing with the insurgency and violence in specific areas of Manipur.

AFSPA has been in effect in the state since the early 1980s.However, in 2004, it was revoked from areas under Imphal municipality following public outrage over the rape and murder of Thangjam Manorama by Assam Rifles personnel.

This incident sparked mass intense movement demanding repeal of the Act, described by human rights defenders as draconian.

In response, the then Congress-led government withdrew AFSPA from areas under the then Imphal Municipal Council, covering seven assembly constituencies and six police stations.

The Assam Rifles base was also removed from Kangla, allowing public to have access to the historic palace of the Manipur kingdom.

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