IT News
Imphal, Nov 14:
The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a notification declaring six police station areas in Manipur as “Disturbed Areas” under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958, citing continued ethnic violence and insurgent activities in the state. The order, S.O. 4921(E), was released on November 14 and will be effective until March 31, 2025, unless withdrawn earlier.
According to the notification, the six police station areas now under AFSPA include Sekmai and Lamshang in Imphal West district, Lamlai in Imphal East district, Jiribam in Jiribam district, Leimakhong in Kangpokpi district, and Moirang in Bishnupur district. The decision follows a security review that identified these areas as particularly volatile due to intermittent violence and the active presence of insurgent groups.
The AFSPA status, which provides special powers to the armed forces, had previously been imposed across Manipur, excluding 19 police station jurisdictions. The current order builds on a previous declaration dated September 26, 2024, which marked Manipur’s entire state, excluding 19 police stations, as disturbed for six months starting October 1. Out of these 19 police stations, with this notification AFSPA has been re-imposed in the jurisdictions of 6 police stations today.
Ministry of Home Affairs has noted a need for enhanced coordination and security measures in the newly designated areas to manage the escalating violence effectively. It emphasizes that insurgent activities are prevalent in fringe regions, particularly around Bishnupur-Churachandpur, Imphal East-Kangpokpi-Imphal West, and Jiribam. The government’s decision came after consultations with stakeholders, reinforcing its commitment to maintain stability in Manipur amid rising ethnic tensions and unrest.
