Rapid Fire
Reimposition of AFSPA in Manipur
- 04 Dec 2024
- 2 min read
Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has reimposed the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in six police station areas of Manipur due to a volatile security situation and the active involvement of insurgent groups in violence.
- Manipur has been under AFSPA since 1980, with periodic reviews reflecting the changing security landscape.
- Background:
- On 15th August 1942, the British issued the Armed Forces Special Powers Ordinance to suppress the Quit India movement, which led to ordinances for "Assam disturbed areas" in 1947.
- The Armed Forces (Assam and Manipur) Special Powers Act, 1958, succeeded the Assam Disturbed Areas Act of 1955, that was later replaced by the AFSPA.
- On 15th August 1942, the British issued the Armed Forces Special Powers Ordinance to suppress the Quit India movement, which led to ordinances for "Assam disturbed areas" in 1947.
- A disturbed area is one that is declared under Section 3 of the AFSPA.
- Currently, AFSPA is in effect in parts of Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh.
- The Governor of State, administrator of Union Territory and MHA can notify AFSPA enforcement and can declare any area as disturbed.
- Under the Disturbed Areas (Special Courts) Act, 1976, a region declared 'disturbed' remains so for a continuous three months.
