AFSPA extended in parts of Nagaland and Arunachal by another 6 months

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday extended the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in parts of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh for another six months.

According to a notification, the Central Government designated 8 districts and 21 Police Stations in 5 other districts of the state of Nagaland as “disturbed areas” for a period of six months beginning on April 1, 2023, in accordance with the authority granted by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers Act, 1958) (28 of 1958).

“And whereas a further review of the law and order situation in the state of Nagaland has been undertaken. Now, therefore, Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek and Peren districts in Nagaland and the areas in Nagaland falling within the jurisdiction of i) Khuzama, Kohima North, Kohima South, Zubza and Kezocha police stations in Kohima District; ii) Mangkolemba, Mokokchung-I, Longtho, Tuli, Longchem and Anaki ‘C’ police stations in Mokokchung District; iii) Yanglok police station in Longleng District; iv) Bhandari, Champang and Ralan police stations in Wokha District; and v) Ghatashi, Pughoboto, Satakha, Suruhuto, Zunheboto and Aghunato police stations in Zunheboto District, are declared as ‘disturbed area’ under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 for a period of six months with effect from October 1, 2023, unless withdrawn earlier,” the notification read.

The decision was taken after a review of the law-and-order situation in both states.

In another notification, the Central Government extended the implementation of AFSPA in Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh declaring these areas as ‘disturbed areas’.

“Areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai, Mahadevpur and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering the State of Assam as ‘disturbed area’ vide Notification S.O.1422(E) dated March 24, 2023. And whereas a further review of the law and order situation in the state of Arunachal Pradesh has been undertaken,” the notification read.

“Now, therefore, Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh and the areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai, Mahadevpur and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering the State of Assam, are declared as ‘disturbed area’ under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 for a period of six months with effect from October 1, 2022, unless withdrawn earlier,” the notification added.

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act grants unrestricted authority to the armed forces and the Central Armed Police Forces stationed in “disturbed areas” to kill anyone breaking the law, to arrest and search any location without a warrant, and to provide protection from legal action and prosecution without the approval of the Central government.

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