Manipur: MHA declares majority of state as ‘disturbed area’ under AFSPA for 6 month from October 1: What does it mean?

The Ministry of Home Affairs has declared most of Manipur as a 'disturbed area' under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958, effective from October 1. This decision will remain in place for six months, unless revoked earlier by the central government. Under Section 3 of the AFSPA, a 'disturbed area' is one where the civil administration requires armed forces due to severe disturbances, violence, or conflicts among different social groups.

In such areas, armed forces personnel can use force, destroy weapons stockpiles, arrest suspects without warrants, and conduct searches without warrants. The decision excludes 13 police station areas in Manipur from the AFSPA's jurisdiction.