📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Home Affairs
Defence
MHA Declares Most of Manipur a Disturbed Area Under AFSPA for Six Months
✍️ Livemint
🗓 25 Sep 2026, 07:02 PM
👁 14
The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that from 1 October, the majority of Manipur will be designated as a disturbed area under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act for a period of six months.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has declared that from 1 October, the majority of the Indian state of Manipur will be treated as a ‘disturbed area’ under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for a period of six months.
Under AFSPA, the armed forces are granted special powers to maintain public order in areas deemed to be disturbed. The declaration means that security forces will be allowed to use force, conduct searches and arrests, and impose restrictions on movement in the affected districts.
The move follows a series of incidents of insurgent activity and law‑and‑order challenges in the state. By invoking AFSPA, the government aims to strengthen security operations and curb the influence of militant groups.
Civil society groups have expressed concern that the extended use of AFSPA could impact civil liberties and human rights. Local authorities will monitor the situation closely and coordinate with the armed forces to ensure that operations remain within legal limits.
The six‑month period will end on 30 March 2025, after which the MHA will reassess the security situation and decide whether to extend the declaration or lift the special powers.
Under AFSPA, the armed forces are granted special powers to maintain public order in areas deemed to be disturbed. The declaration means that security forces will be allowed to use force, conduct searches and arrests, and impose restrictions on movement in the affected districts.
The move follows a series of incidents of insurgent activity and law‑and‑order challenges in the state. By invoking AFSPA, the government aims to strengthen security operations and curb the influence of militant groups.
Civil society groups have expressed concern that the extended use of AFSPA could impact civil liberties and human rights. Local authorities will monitor the situation closely and coordinate with the armed forces to ensure that operations remain within legal limits.
The six‑month period will end on 30 March 2025, after which the MHA will reassess the security situation and decide whether to extend the declaration or lift the special powers.