AFSPA extended for another six months in Manipur

Imphal: Manipur government has extended Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the violence hit state for another six months with effect from Tuesday.

Areas under the jurisdiction of 19 police stations were not covered in the extention of the Act.

A notification issued by the Home department on September 26 mentioned that the violent activities of various extremist or insurgent groups warrant the use of Armed Forces in aid of civil administration in the entire state except the areas falling under the jurisdiction of the police stations under Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Sekmai, Lamsang, Patsoi, Wangoi, Porompat, Heingang, Lamlai, Irilbung, Leimakhong, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Nambol, Moirang, Kakching and Jiribam.

After analyzing the prevailing iaw and order situation in the state that it is not expendient 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, the notification said.

Declaration of ‘Disturbed area’ status is very sensitive and may likely attract public criticism and resistance if proper care is not taken, it added.

AFSPA was imposed in Manipur in early 1980s. It revoked from the Imphal municipality area in 2004.