India extends AFSPA in parts of three northeastern states

India’s Union Ministry of Home Affairs has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, or AFSPA, for another six months in parts of Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh from October 1, 2026. The entire state of Manipur has been declared a disturbed area, except for the jurisdictions of 13 police stations in five Valley districts. The extension comes against the backdrop of ethnic conflict that began in the state on May 3, 2023.

In Nagaland, AFSPA will remain in force in nine districts and in areas covered by 21 police stations across five other districts. In Arunachal Pradesh, it will continue in Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts, as well as areas under three police stations in Namsai district bordering Assam. AFSPA was enacted in 1958 to give the armed forces additional powers in areas declared disturbed because of insurgency or serious internal security problems.

Subject to conditions in the Act, personnel may use force, including lethal force, against people violating prohibitory orders, arrest without a warrant and search premises without a warrant. The law also provides legal protection to personnel acting under it. Prosecution or other legal proceedings relating to actions taken under AFSPA require prior sanction from the Central government, a provision that has made the law contentious.

Both Central and state governments can declare an area disturbed under Section 3. In Manipur, the state government had historically issued such notifications, but the Home Ministry assumed a more prominent role after the 2023 violence. AFSPA’s coverage in Manipur had been reduced before the conflict.

It was withdrawn from all police station areas in the Valley between April 2022 and April 2023, after the state government cited an improved security situation. The law continued in hill regions. The violence reversed that trend.

In November 2024, the Home Ministry reimposed AFSPA in six police station jurisdictions across five districts, saying the measure would support coordinated security operations and contain insurgent groups. The Manipur Cabinet subsequently recommended that the Centre review and withdraw that notification.