Government extends AFSPA in Manipur amid ongoing violence

The Manipur government has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for another six months, with effect from Tuesday in the ethnic violence-hit state, excluding areas under the jurisdiction of 19 police stations.
In a notification, Commissioner (Home) N Ashok Kumar said that the state government has decided to maintain the status quo, citing violent activities of extremist and insurgent groups, the overall law and order situation, and the capability of the state machinery.
The notification further stated that the Manipur Governor “is of the opinion” that violent activities by insurgent groups in the state have necessitated the need to use of the Armed Forces for civil administration in the entire of Manipur, except in the areas under the jurisdiction of 19 police stations, including, Imphal, Bishnupur, Jiriibam and Lamphel.
The notification stated that the government analysed the law-and-order situation and that it is not expedient to have a detailed assessment on the ground.
The notification, dated September 26, stated the security agencies were preoccupied with the maintenance of law and order.
“Further it will be premature to arrive at any conclusion or decision on such a sensitive matter without detailed assessment thereby not appropriate to review the ‘Disturbed Area’ status of the state at the moment,” it stated.
The AFSPA, which has been in effect in Manipur since the early 1980s, is modelled on a colonial-era ordinance. It grants special powers to the forces to maintain public order in “disturbed areas”. It has faced much scrutiny for granting sweeping powers to the forces.
The AFSPA prohibits prosecutions without the go-ahead from the Union government, if the allegations are linked to duty. A prior sanction from the Union government is needed for any legal proceedings against the armed forces operating in areas where the AFSPA is implemented.
The AFSPA was revoked from the Imphal municipality area in 2004, areas under 15 police stations across six districts in April 2022, and four police stations in April 2023.