IT News
Imphal, April 8:
Six student organisations in Manipur have strongly opposed the Ministry of Home Affairs’ decision to extend the ‘Disturbed Area’ status in the state, thereby continuing the enforcement of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) for another six months. The Ministry’s order, issued on Sunday, excludes only 13 police station jurisdictions while keeping the rest of the state under the controversial law.
In a press release issued today, the student groups described AFSPA as a “black law” imposed upon the people since 1980, stating that the Act has led to grave human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings and denial of justice for decades. They recalled that the Act was originally enforced after parts of Manipur were declared “Disturbed Areas” by the Indian government.
They pointed out that although the Union Home Ministry began lifting AFSPA from certain police station jurisdictions in phases starting from April 1, 2022, a significant number of areas remain under its purview. As of March 2023, 19 police stations were excluded from AFSPA coverage. However, the latest notification dated April 1, 2025, shows that apart from the 13 excluded police stations, the rest of the state continues to be classified as a “Disturbed Area,” thereby allowing AFSPA to remain in effect.
In a joint statement, the organisations asserted that the extension of AFSPA is not aimed at restoring peace but at empowering the armed forces with unchecked authority, which they claim often results in human rights violations.
The student organisations – Manipur Students’ Federation (MSF), Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA), Students’ Union of Kangleipak (SUK), and Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Sinpanglup (AIMS) – denounced the move, calling it a continuation of colonial policy by the Indian state.
They demanded the complete withdrawal of both the Disturbed Area status and AFSPA from Manipur. The organisations warned that the re-imposition of AFSPA could deepen public resentment and potentially trigger a widespread people’s uprising if not reversed.
The signatories of the statement included Hijam Roshan (President, MSF), Mayengbam Somorjit Meitei (President, DESAM), Sukham Bidyananda (President, KSA), Ningthoujam Dhanakumar Meitei (President, SUK), and Oinam Nikarson (President, AIMS), among others.
