Manipur Declared 'Disturbed Area', AFSPA Extended For Six Months From 1 October Excluding 19 Police Station Areas

The Manipur government on Wednesday (27 September) announced the designation of the entire state as a 'disturbed area' under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) due to the current law and order situation.

However, this status will not be applied to areas falling under the jurisdiction of 19 police stations, including the capital Imphal.

"The State Government has decided to maintain status quo on the present disturbed area status in the State of Manipur excluding the areas falling under the 19 police stations for a period of 6 (six) months w.e.f. 01/10/2023”, the notification read.

As stated in the government's notification, the "violent activities of various extremist/insurgent groups warrant the use of Armed Forces in aid of civil administration in the entire state."

The implementation of the disturbed area declaration under AFSPA in Manipur, excluding the Imphal Municipality area, has been in effect since 2004.

In April 2022, AFSPA was revoked from 15 police station areas in six districts, and from April this year, the Disturbed Area notification was lifted from four additional police stations.

Consequently, 19 police station limits in seven districts of Manipur have been excluded from the disturbed area notification under AFSPA.

These decisions unfolded in response to renewed protests that ensued following the kidnapping and brutal killing of two students from the Metei community by suspected armed individuals.

The disturbing images of the students' bodies circulated on social media, triggering a wave of protests. Demonstrators, mainly students, took to the streets, attempting to march towards Chief Minister N Biren Singh's residence.

These events unfolded just days after the government had lifted a nearly five-month ban on mobile internet services.

The notification emphasized that a comprehensive assessment of the on-ground situation is deemed necessary at this time, given that security forces are actively engaged in maintaining law and order in the state.

Consequently, the government deemed it inappropriate to review the 'disturbed area' status before reaching a conclusive decision on this sensitive matter.