Government Extends AFSPA in Nagaland, Arunachal for 6 Months

Government Extends AFSPA in Nagaland and Arunachal for 6 Months

The government has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in parts of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh for another six months following a review of the law and order situation in these northeastern states. AFSPA allows certain areas to be declared as “disturbed,” giving security forces enhanced powers for maintaining public order.

According to a notification issued by the Union Home Ministry, eight districts in Nagaland, along with 21 police stations in five other districts, will continue to be classified as “disturbed areas” under AFSPA from October 1, 2024. These districts include Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, and Peren.

Additionally, areas falling within the jurisdiction of Khuzama, Kohima North, Kohima South, Zubza, and Kezocha police stations in Kohima District, as well as Mangkolemba, Mokokchung-I, Longtho, Tuli, Longchem, and Anaki ‘C’ police stations in Mokokchung District, are also declared “disturbed.” Yanglok police station in Longleng District is similarly classified.

In Arunachal Pradesh, AFSPA has been extended in the districts of Tirap, Changlang, and Longding, along with areas in the Namsai district bordering Assam, starting from October 1, 2024.

Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had mentioned that AFSPA has been removed from 70% of northeastern states, but it remains in force in Jammu and Kashmir. AFSPA grants security forces extensive powers, including the ability to conduct searches, make arrests, and open fire if necessary to maintain law and order.