The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in large parts of Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh for another six months starting October 1, 2025.
In Manipur, which has witnessed ethnic violence since May 2023, AFSPA will remain in force across the state, except in the jurisdiction of 13 police stations across five valley districts, including Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, and Thoubal. The MHA declared these regions &ldquo;disturbed areas&rdquo; under Section 3 of the Act, noting that law and order concerns necessitated the extension.
In Nagaland, AFSPA has been renewed in nine districts; Dimapur, Mon, Kiphire, Phek, Noklak, Peren, Meluri, Chumoukedima, and Niuland and in 21 police station limits across Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng, Wokha, and Zunheboto.
In Arunachal Pradesh, the &ldquo;disturbed area&rdquo; tag was extended for Tirap, Changlang, Longding, and parts of Namsai district bordering Assam, including Mahadevpur and Chowkham.
The AFSPA, first imposed in Manipur in 1981, empowers the Army and paramilitary forces deployed in &ldquo;disturbed areas&rdquo; to use lethal force against those violating the law, arrest without warrant, conduct searches, and enjoy immunity from prosecution without prior sanction of the Centre.
The government stressed that the review was undertaken in view of the volatile law-and-order situation. However, rights groups have long demanded its repeal, citing misuse and human rights concerns.

AFSPA Extended in Northeast for Six More Months

Centre extends AFSPA in parts of Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal till March 2026

AFSPA Extended in Northeast for Six More Months

Centre extends AFSPA in parts of Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal till March 2026

September 27, 2025 | 09:50 IST