AFSPA extended in Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh: What does the law mean? | Explained
What powers does the law give the armed forces? Which areas remain under the disturbed area notification? How has AFSPA’s footprint in the Northeast changed over the years?
The Central government extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in three Arunachal Pradesh districts and certain border areas for another six months, starting October 1, 2026. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs announced the decision in a notification, stating that Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts, along with Namsai, Mahadevpur and Chowkham police station areas in Namsai district, located on the Assam border, are designated as "disturbed areas" under Section 3 of the 1958 Act for six months.
This extension follows a review of the security situation in the region. The law grants armed forces operating in these areas special powers, such as the authority to conduct operations and arrest without warrant, and legal immunity for actions taken in good faith. The three Arunachal districts and parts of Namsai have seen periodic AFSPA extensions in recent years due to insurgency-related incidents and the proximity to Assam.
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