Reimposition of AFSPA in Manipur | 04 Dec 2024

Source: IE 

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. 
• 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. 

Read more: Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA)