National desk
30 September
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
The Manipur government has decided to extend the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for another six months, effective from October 1. The Act will be in force across the state, except in 19 police station areas around the Imphal Valley and Assam border. This decision comes in response to the state’s ongoing law and order situation.
The Ministry of Home Affairs of the state government issued a notification regarding the extension. However, the AFSPA will not apply in several areas, including Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Sekmai, Lamsang, Patsoi, Wangoi, Porompat, Heingang, Lamalai, Iribung, Limakhong, Thobal, Bishnupur, Nambol, Moirang, Kakching, and Jiribam. These areas have a majority population belonging to the Matei community.
AFSPA gives special powers to the armed forces to maintain law and order in disturbed regions. By excluding certain areas from the Act, the government aims to provide some relief to the residents in these places. The extension of AFSPA reflects the government’s assessment of the continuing need for strong measures in dealing with the situation in other parts of the state.