AFSPA Imposed In New Areas Of Manipur Amid Fresh Violence

The Centre on Thursday reimposed the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in six police stations across five valley districts in Manipur in response to an escalation in violence.

The Armed Forces Special Powers Act, or AFSPA, gives Army personnel sweeping powers in disturbed areas to search, arrest and open fire if they deem it necessary for “the maintenance of public order”.

In a notification on Thursday, the Ministry of Home Affairs said that the decision to impose the Act, which will be in effect till March 31, 2025, was taken as the situation in Manipur remained “volatile” amid ethnic clashes between the state’s Kuki and Meitei communities.