The Centre has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, in parts of Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh for another six months from October 1, 2026.
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued notifications on Friday after reviewing the law and order situation in the three northeastern states. The extensions will remain in force until March 31, 2027, unless withdrawn earlier. The Ministry maintains a list of its current AFSPA notifications.
AFSPA Extended Across Most of Manipur
In Manipur, the Centre has declared the entire state a “disturbed area” under Section 3 of AFSPA, except areas under 13 police stations across five districts.
The excluded police stations are Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Patsoi, Wangoi, Porompat, Heingang, Irilbung, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Nambol and Kakching.
The extension comes amid the continuing security situation in Manipur following the ethnic violence that began in May 2023.
Nine Nagaland Districts Under AFSPA
In Nagaland, AFSPA has been extended for six months in nine districts. These are Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, Peren and Meluri.
The law will also remain in force in areas under 21 police stations across five other districts, including Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng, Wokha and Zunheboto.
AFSPA Extended in Parts of Arunachal Pradesh
In Arunachal Pradesh, the Centre has extended the “disturbed area” status in Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts.
The notification also covers areas under Namsai, Mahadevpur and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district, which border Assam.
What Does AFSPA Allow?
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act gives special powers to the armed forces and Central Armed Police Forces operating in areas officially declared “disturbed.”
Under the law, authorised personnel can use force, including lethal force, in certain circumstances, arrest people without a warrant and search premises without a warrant.
The Act also provides legal protection to personnel for actions taken under its provisions. Prosecution or legal proceedings against personnel require prior sanction from the Central government.
AFSPA has been in force in Manipur since 1981. Its application has been reduced in some parts of the state over the years, including several valley areas where it was withdrawn between 2022 and 2023.
