The Manipur government on Wednesday extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the entire state, excluding the areas falling under the jurisdiction of the 19 Police Stations as “disturbed area” for a period of six months, effective from October 1.
An official notification issued by the home department of the state government said that the 19 police stations that are excluded are: Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Sekmai, Lamsang, Patsoi, Wangoi, Porompat, Heingang, Lamlai, Irilbung, Leimakhong, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Nambol, Moirang, Kakching, Jiribam.
AFSPA gives armed forces personnel, operating in disturbed areas, sweeping powers to search, arrest and to open fire, if deemed necessary, for ‘the maintenance of public order’.
“The Governor of Manipur is of the opinion that the violent activities of various extremist/insurgent groups warrant the use of Armed Forces in aid of civil administration in the entire State of Manipur except the areas falling under the jurisdiction of the 19 (nineteen) Police Stations,” it said.
“The State Government is of the opinion after analysing the prevailing law and order situation in the State that it is not expedient to have detailed assessment on the ground as the Sister Security Agencies are preoccupied in maintenance of law and order. Further, it will be premature to arrive at any conclusion or decision on such sensitive matter without detailed assessment; thereby not appropriate to review the “Disturbed Area” status of the State at the moment,” it read.
“Further, the issue of declaration of “Disturbed area” status is very sensitive and may likely attract public criticism and resistance if proper care is not taken. Keeping in view of above and the overall law and order situation in the State and the capability of the State machineries, the State Government has decided to maintain status quo on the present disturbed area status in the State of Manipur excluding the areas falling under the 19 police stations as mentioned at Para 1 above, for a period of 6 (six) months w.e.f. 01/10/2023,” it said.
“Therefore in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (Act No.28 of 1958) as amended from time to time, the Governor of Manipur hereby accords approval to declare the entire State of Manipur excluding the areas falling under the jurisdiction of the 19 (nineteen) Police Stations listed below as “Disturbed Area” for a period of six months with effect from 1st October, 2023,” the notification read.
The state has been marred with ethnic clashes since May 3 between the Valley-dominated Meitei communities and the Kukis who reside in the hill districts of the state. Over 150 people have died since the clashes broke out in the state.
AFSPA extended in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday extended for six months the disturbed area status in parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland under the AFSPA, 1958.
The AFSPA has been in force in a few districts and police station areas in both Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland for many years now and it is extended periodically.
