AFSPA extended in Manipur for six months

The Manipur government has extended the “disturbed area” provision of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the state for six months but spared the areas falling under the jurisdiction of 19 Police Stations under Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Sekmai, Lamsang, Patsoi, Wangoi, Porompat, Heingang, Lamlai, Irilbung, Leimakhong, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Nambol, Moirang, Kakching and Jiribam. It was extended with retrospective effect from October 1, 2023.
The order by the Government of Manipur stated, “Whereas, the State Government is of the opinion after analysing the prevailing law and order situation in the State that it is not expedient to have detailed assessment on the ground as the Sister Security Agencies are preoccupied in maintenance of law and order. Further, it will be premature to arrive at any conclusion or decision on such sensitive matter without detailed assessment; thereby not appropriate to review the “Disturbed Area” status of the State at the moment.”
The order further said, “Further, the issue of declaration of “Disturbed area” status is very sensitive and may likely attract public criticism and resistance if proper care is not taken. Keeping in view of above and the overall law and order situation in the State and the capability of the State machineries, the State Government has decided to maintain status quo on the present disturbed area status in the State of Manipur excluding the areas falling under the 19 police stations for a period of 6(six) months”.