AFSPA Extension in Northeast States

  • AFSPA Extension: The Central government has extended the ‘disturbed area’ status under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958 in parts of Northeast India.
  • Manipur: AFSPA extended in Manipur, excluding areas under 13 police stations in five districts, for another six months.
  • Nagaland & Arunachal Pradesh: AFSPA extended in parts of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh until 30th September 2025.
  • Reason for AFSPA: The Act was originally implemented in 1958 to address escalating violence in the Northeast that state governments couldn’t control.
  • Powers Granted: AFSPA grants armed forces personnel in “disturbed areas” special powers, including the authority to use force (even lethal), arrest without warrant, and conduct searches without warrant.
  • Protection from Prosecution: Armed forces personnel are protected from legal proceedings for actions taken under AFSPA without prior sanction from the Central Government.