AFSPA for yet another 6 months in Manipur

Imphal: Manipur Home department has extended imposition of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 in the entire state except the areas falling under the jurisdiction of 19 police stations.

The Home department issued a notification on Wednesday the extension of the arms Act.

The notification said 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 police stations under Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Sekmai, Lamsang, Patsoi, Wangoi, Porompat, Heingang, Lamlai, Irilbung, Leimakhong, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Nambol, Moirang, Kakching and Jiribam.

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, the notification said.

It said 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 excluding the areas falling under the 19 police stations.

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 police stations as “Disturbed Area” for a period of six months with effect from October 1, 2023, the notification said.