AFSPA reimposed in areas under six police stations across five Manipur districts

Imphal: Following escalating violence in five districts of Manipur over the past week, the Ministry of Home Affairs has reimposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in areas under the jurisdiction of six police stations, declaring them as “Disturbed Areas”.

A notification issued by additional secretary Piyush Goyal, on Thursday, stated that AFSPA has been reimposed in the areas under the police stations of Sekmai and Lamshang in Imphal West district; Lamlai in Imphal East; Jiribam in Jiribam district; Leimakhong in Kangpokpi district; and Moirang in Bishnupur district.

The Act will remain in effect until March 31, 2025, unless withdrawn earlier, with immediate effect, it said.

The decision was made after reviewing the security situation in Manipur in consultation with various stakeholders, the notification said.

“It is noted that the situation remains volatile amidst ongoing violence in Manipur, with intermittent firing continuing in violence-prone areas, especially along the fringe areas of Bishnupur-Churachandpur, Imphal East-Kangpokpi-Imphal West, and Jiribam districts, with several instances of active insurgent involvement in heinous acts and violence.”