Army seeks AFSPA expansion in Manipur's valley districts

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is reviewing the Armed Forces (Special) Powers Act (AFSPA) in Northeast India. This review comes as the Army has proposed expanding the areas under AFSPA in Manipur's valley districts. A senior government official confirmed this at a meeting held on March 20, 2025. Currently, AFSPA is in effect for six police station areas in five districts of Manipur. This was reinstated after civil unrest began on May 3, 2023. The Army has suggested that 12 more police station areas in the valleys should come under AFSPA to enhance operational efficiency. However, the final decision will rest with the Ministry. President's Rule has been in effect in Manipur since February 13, and discussions about AFSPA were also held at a meeting on March 1, led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Earlier, AFSPA was lifted from valley police stations between April 1, 2022, and April 1, 2023, due to improved public security. Reviews of the AFSPA scope are currently taking place in Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur. The six-month notifications for these “disturbed areas” will end on March 31. It is expected that one district in Assam may be removed from AFSPA. AFSPA, enacted in 1958, allows Indian military and police forces to take strong actions in areas deemed disturbed. This includes the power to arrest without a warrant and protection from lawsuits. The act has been in force in Manipur since 1981.