Manipur extends AFSPA for six months, exempting 19 Police stations

AFSPA would remain applicable in all the hill districts which are dominated by tribal communities

The Manipur government has decided to extend the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958, for an additional six months, effective October 1. This extension applies across the state, with the exception of 19 police stations in seven districts of the Imphal Valley.

While the AFSPA will remain in effect in all hill districts, where tribal communities reside, the government has been gradually lifting the act in valley districts since 2022 due to improvements in the security situation.

The areas exempt from AFSPA include key regions such as Imphal East and Imphal West, where the state capital and other significant localities are located. Manipur’s Commissioner (Home), N Ashok Kumar, noted that the government, after reviewing the current law and order conditions, deemed it premature to conduct a detailed assessment of the situation, emphasizing the sensitivity of declaring any area as “Disturbed.”

The notification stated, “It will be premature to arrive at any conclusion or decision on such a sensitive matter without detailed assessment.” It also highlighted concerns about potential public backlash if changes to the “Disturbed Area” status were made without careful consideration.

The 19 police stations where AFSPA will not apply include Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Sekmai, and others.

In related news, security forces in Manipur are actively conducting operations to rescue two youths reportedly abducted by armed Kuki militants. Three youths from the Meitei community were kidnapped while on their way to an Army recruitment exam, with one successfully rescued by the Army.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed his concern over the incident and has tasked the Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Singh with securing the release of the remaining two captives. Singh described the situation as “very unfortunate” and reassured the public that both state and central forces are working diligently to ensure the youths’ safe return.

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