Extension of AFSPA in Disturbed Areas of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland: What You Need to Know

The AFSPA, which provides armed forces with extensive powers in disturbed areas, has been extended in parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. The law has been enforced intermittently over the years, with periodic extensions.

The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), a legislation that grants special powers to the Indian Armed Forces in what the act terms as "disturbed areas", has been extended in certain regions of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. The announcement came on Tuesday, marking the continuation of a policy that has been in place for several years now.

Understanding AFSPA

Under AFSPA, an area can be declared disturbed at the discretion of security forces. This law empowers armed forces personnel operating within these disturbed areas with sweeping authority to carry out operations necessary for maintaining public order. This includes powers to search, arrest without warrant and even open fire if deemed necessary.

A Periodic Extension

The application of AFSPA is not new to some districts and police station areas within both Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. It has been in force here for many years now and is periodically extended based on assessments made by government authorities.

Recent Developments

In a recent notification issued by the Union Home Ministry, it was revealed that the central government had exercised its powers under Section 3 of AFSPA, 1958 28 of 1958 to declare Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh as disturbed areas. The same designation was also applied to areas falling under Namsai district's jurisdiction including Mahadevpur, Chowkham police stations along with Namsai itself - all bordering Assam. This declaration was originally made through a notification dated March 24, 2023.

A Review Underway

The notification further indicated that there is an ongoing review pertaining to the law-and-order situation within Arunachal Pradesh. It suggests that this extension may be subject to change depending on the outcome of this review.

In conclusion, the extension of AFSPA in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland underscores the continuing concern over security issues within these regions. While it is a measure intended to ensure public order, it also brings with it questions about its impact on human rights and civil liberties. It will be crucial to monitor how this review progresses and what implications it may have for future applications of AFSPA within these states.