AFSPA approved by cabinet for 6 months, excluding Imphal

Imphal: The Manipur cabinet has approved the extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) tag of “disturbed areas” in the state for another six months, but the municipal areas of the capital city of Imphal and Lieut. Speaking places have been waived. Under the jurisdiction of 19 police stations.

The decision was taken in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday.
The cabinet has approved maintaining the status of dispersed area for another six months, excluding the area under the jurisdiction of 19 police stations in Manipur.

The cabinet’s approval comes at a time when various civil organizations have called for the cancellation of AFSPA.
The law gives the armed forces unfettered powers to shoot anyone who violates the law, to arrest and search without warrant and immunity from prosecution, and to prosecute without the approval of the central government.
Earlier, in Manipur which has 16 districts, 15 police stations in six districts were moved out of the disturbed area. In 2004, AFSPA was removed from the municipal areas of Imphal.
From April 1, 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and state governments had reduced the “disturbed areas” in the state.

Since May 3, the law and order situation in the state is precarious due to communal violence between Kukis and Meiteis. So far more than 170 people have lost their lives.