Centre Extends AFSPA in Parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur & Nagaland Amid Security Concerns
For now, the extension reflects the Centre’s balancing act between security imperatives and the demand for peace and normalcy in one of India’s most volatile frontiers.
NEW DELHI- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for another six months in select areas of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Nagaland, effective October 1, 2025.
In Manipur, AFSPA remains in force across the hill districts while exemptions continue in 13 police station areas of the valley, covering parts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching. The extension comes amid ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities that have killed over 200 people since May 2023. The state has been under President’s Rule since February 2025, after the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
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In Nagaland, AFSPA has been prolonged in 9 districts—Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, Peren, and Meluri—along with 21 police station areas in Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng, Wokha, and Zunheboto. These zones continue to face insurgent activity and inter-tribal tensions.
In Arunachal Pradesh, AFSPA applies to the eastern districts of Tirap, Changlang, and Longding, and to parts of Namsai district (Mahadevpur, Chowkham, and Namsai PS jurisdictions), which are vulnerable to cross-border infiltration.
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Enacted in 1958, AFSPA gives sweeping powers to the armed forces, including search, arrest, and use of force. The government maintains it is necessary to tackle militancy, but rights groups and civil society activists decry it as “draconian”, pointing to instances of extrajudicial killings and arbitrary detentions. Organizations like the Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF) and Meira Paibis have renewed calls for its repeal.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured that the situation will be “reviewed periodically”, with the possibility of earlier withdrawal if conditions improve. Another round of ethnic reconciliation talks in Manipur is expected soon.
For now, the extension reflects the Centre’s balancing act between security imperatives and the demand for peace and normalcy in one of India’s most volatile frontiers.
