The Union Government has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Manipur, Nagaland, and parts of Arunachal Pradesh for another six months, effective from April 1, 2025. The decision follows a security assessment in these regions, a statement from the Union Home Ministry confirmed on Sunday.
In violence-hit Manipur, AFSPA will continue to be enforced across the state, except for areas under 13 police stations in the valley districts. The exempted police stations fall under Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching. The state has remained under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, as ethnic violence that began in May 2023 continues to pose a major security challenge.
AFSPA, which grants sweeping powers to security forces in “disturbed areas,” remains a contentious law in the Northeast. The act allows the military to conduct operations, make arrests, and use force if necessary to maintain law and order.
In Nagaland, AFSPA has been extended in eight districts and 21 police station areas, including Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, and Peren. The Union Government had declared these areas “disturbed” under AFSPA on October 1, 2024, citing security concerns. Given persistent threats from insurgent groups, the law will remain in force unless reviewed earlier.
Similarly, parts of Arunachal Pradesh continue to be covered under AFSPA, particularly in districts bordering Myanmar, where armed insurgent activities remain a challenge.
The extension of AFSPA comes amid renewed violence in Manipur, where clashes between security forces and militant groups have led to fresh tensions. Over 250 lives have been lost in ethnic conflicts in the state over the past 22 months, with thousands of people displaced.
The Union Government has stated that the decision will be subject to periodic review, considering the security situation in the region. However, human rights groups and civil society organizations have long called for the withdrawal of AFSPA, citing alleged human rights violations.