Home Ministry extends AFSPA disturbed-area status across most of Manipur for six months

A fresh order from the Ministry of Home Affairs extends the declaration of Manipur as a disturbed area under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act for a six-month period starting on October 1, with the possibility of earlier revocation by the centre. The notification excludes thirteen police-station areas from the act’s jurisdiction. According to Section 3 of the AFSPA, a disturbed area is officially announced when conditions are sufficiently volatile to warrant armed forces supporting civil administration, typically due to severe violence or communal strife.

Within such zones, military personnel are empowered to issue warnings and then employ force, including lethal force, to disperse prohibited gatherings or seize weapons. They may also demolish arms caches, fortified positions, or hideouts, and carry out arrests and searches without a warrant if they suspect a cognizable offence. The extension reflects ongoing security concerns in the region and will remain in force for six months unless rescinded.