The partial rollback of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act
2 years, 8 months ago

The partial rollback of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act

The Hindu  

The story so far: On March 31, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced the reduction of “disturbed areas” under the Armed Forces Act in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland with effect from April 1. The Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958, followed the Assam Disturbed Areas Act of 1955 to deal with the uprising in the Naga Hills and adjoining areas. Section 3 of the AFSPA empowers the Governor of a State and the administrator of a Union Territory to declare an area “disturbed” and issue an official notification in The Gazette of India to give the Centre the authority to deploy the “armed forces in aid of the civil power”. A government considers an area “disturbed” if it perceives a threat to “public peace and tranquility, by reason of differences or disputes between members of different religious, racial, language or regional groups or castes or communities.” The Act is said to give unbridled power to the armed forces and the Central Armed Police Forces deployed in “disturbed areas” to kill anyone acting in contravention of the law, arrest and search any premises without a warrant and protection from prosecution and legal suits without the Central government’s sanction.

Assam State Act Areas Manipur Armed Afspa Forces Nagaland Disturbed Special Powers  nagaland  areas  armed  powers  afspa  manipur  forces  act  stations  disturbed  assam  special  rollback  partial

History of this topic

MHA imposes AFSPA in areas under 6 police stations in Manipur after security review
1 month, 1 week ago

MHA imposes AFSPA in areas under 6 police stations in Manipur after security review

Hindustan Times  

IMPHAL: The Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday declared areas under the jurisdiction of six police stations in Manipur as “disturbed areas”, bringing these areas also under the Armed Forces Act or AFSPA, 1958. Manipur police commandos stand guard along the Imphal-Moirang road amid militant activity in Ningthoukhong town at Bishnupur district The move comes a day after the home …

Armed forces special powers act imposed in 5 Manipur districts
1 month, 1 week ago

Armed forces special powers act imposed in 5 Manipur districts

Deccan Chronicle  

Amid escalating violence in Manipur, the Ministry of Home Affairs reimposed the Armed Forces Act on Thursday, extending the "Disturbed Areas" status to six police station areas across five districts, including Jiribam, a hotspot of violence. Previously, AFSPA had been suspended in 19 police stations in the relatively stable Meitei-dominated valley, but recent violence prompted this extension. AFSPA grants armed …

Centre reimposes AFSPA in Manipur's 6 police station areas. What is AFSPA?
1 month, 1 week ago

Centre reimposes AFSPA in Manipur's 6 police station areas. What is AFSPA?

India Today  

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday declared six more areas in Manipur as “disturbed areas,” bringing them under the Armed Forces Act, 1958. This act enables special powers for armed forces in regions classified as “disturbed areas” due to security concerns. The decision to declare more areas in Manipur as “disturbed” under AFSPA comes just after the home ministry …

AFSPA extended for another 6 months in Manipur
8 months, 3 weeks ago

AFSPA extended for another 6 months in Manipur

Hindustan Times  

The Manipur home department has extended the Armed Forces Act or AFSPA, 1958, for another six months in the state, excluding areas under the jurisdiction of 19 police stations, according to a new notification. The notification, effective from April 1 and issued by the Commissioner, said the state government has decided to maintain the status quo on the present “Disturbed …

AFSPA extended for six months in four districts of Assam
8 months, 3 weeks ago

AFSPA extended for six months in four districts of Assam

Deccan Chronicle  

Guwahati: The Assam government on Friday extended the Armed Forces Act, 1958 in four districts for six months starting from April 1. The state government's political department issued a notification, stating that the 'Disturbed Area' tag under the AFSPA has been extended in areas covering Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo and Sivasagar districts. It is significant that the Ministry of Home Affairs …

AFSPA extended in four districts of Assam
8 months, 3 weeks ago

AFSPA extended in four districts of Assam

The Hindu  

The Assam government has extended the Armed Forces Act, 1958 in four districts for six months from April 1. The State government's Political Department issued a notification, stating that the 'Disturbed Area' tag under the AFSPA has been extended in areas covering Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo and Sivasagar districts. The Assam Police had submitted a report, asserting that there was an …

Assam news: AFSPA extended in four districts of the state for another 6 months. Details here
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Assam news: AFSPA extended in four districts of the state for another 6 months. Details here

Live Mint  

The Assam government has extended the Armed Forces Act, 1958 in four districts for six months starting from April 1. The state government's political department issued a notification, stating that the 'Disturbed Area' tag under the AFSPA has been extended in areas covering Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo and Sivasagar districts. On 28 March, the Ministry of Home Affairs extended the Armed …

Centre extends AFSPA in eight districts of Nagaland for six months
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Centre extends AFSPA in eight districts of Nagaland for six months

Hindustan Times  

The Central government has extended Armed Forces Act, 1958, in eight districts and 21 police stations in five districts of Nagaland, declaring them as 'disturbed area' for a period of six months with effect from April 1 this year, unless withdrawn earlier. Besides, the AFSPA has been extended in the areas falling within the jurisdiction of 21 police stations in …

After Nagaland, Centre Extends AFSPA In Arunachal's 3 Districts, 3 Police Stations For Next 6 Months
8 months, 3 weeks ago

After Nagaland, Centre Extends AFSPA In Arunachal's 3 Districts, 3 Police Stations For Next 6 Months

ABP News  

The Centre on Thursday extended the Armed Forces Act, 1958 in parts of Arunachal Pradesh for another six months, beginning April 1. The Act gives the armed forces and Central Armed Police Forces deployed in "disturbed areas" the authority to kill anyone who violates the law, to arrest and search any premises without a warrant, and to shield themselves from …

Centre extends AFSPA in several districts of Nagaland for another six months
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Centre extends AFSPA in several districts of Nagaland for another six months

India TV News  

New Delhi: The Central government extended the Armed Forces Act, 1958 in eight districts and 21 police stations across five other districts of Nagaland for six months till September 30, 2024, declaring them as "disturbed areas". AFSPA extended in eight districts After reviewing the law and order situation in Nagaland, the Centre made the decision to maintain the status quo …

Centre extends 'disturbed area' status under AFSPA in 8 Nagaland districts
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Centre extends 'disturbed area' status under AFSPA in 8 Nagaland districts

India Today  

The Centre has extended the Armed Forces Act, 1958, in eight districts and 20 police station limits in five districts in Nagaland for six months. Areas falling within the jurisdiction of 20 police stations in Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng, Wokha, Zunheboto districts have also been declared as "disturbed areas" under Section 3 of AFSPA. CENTRE TO CONSIDER REVOKING AFSPA IN JAMMU …

AFSPA extended for 6 months in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland districts
8 months, 3 weeks ago

AFSPA extended for 6 months in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland districts

New Indian Express  

NEW DELHI: The Armed Forces Act, under which an area is declared as "disturbed" for the convenience of security forces, has been extended in three districts of Arunachal Pradesh, eight districts of Nagaland and some other areas for six more months after a review of the law and order situation in these two northeastern states. In a notification, the Union …

What will it take to bring peace to Assam?
11 months, 2 weeks ago

What will it take to bring peace to Assam?

Hindustan Times  

The Indian Army was deployed to curb the violence started by the United Liberation Front of Assam militants in March 1980. Given the considerable improvement in Assam, the Army felt last year that the internal security situation can now be effectively handled by the state and Central armed police forces and that AFSPA can be lifted in Assam. Besides local …

Manipur govt declares entire state ‘disturbed area’ under AFSPA amid unrest
1 year, 2 months ago

Manipur govt declares entire state ‘disturbed area’ under AFSPA amid unrest

Hindustan Times  

The Manipur government on Wednesday declared the entire state a ‘disturbed area’ under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act for a period of six months in the wake of the prevailing law and order situation. A woman protester blocks a road during 48-hour general strike in Imphal on September 19, 2023 The state government, in a notification, said that the …

Centre extends AFSPA in parts of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh for another six months
1 year, 2 months ago

Centre extends AFSPA in parts of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh for another six months

The Hindu  

The Ministry of Home Affairs extended the Armed Forces Act in parts of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh for another six months, beginning October 1. The Act gives unbridled power to the armed forces and the Central Armed Police Forces deployed in “disturbed areas” to kill anyone acting in contravention of law, arrest and search any premises without a warrant and …

Assam Cabinet recommends withdrawal of controversial law AFSPA from state
1 year, 3 months ago

Assam Cabinet recommends withdrawal of controversial law AFSPA from state

India Today  

Days after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, the state cabinet has made a recommendation to the Centre to withdraw the Armed Forces Act and the Disturbed Areas Act completely from Assam. While talking to the media after the cabinet meeting in Guwahati, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "We …

Himanta discusses with Shah complete withdrawal of AFSPA from Assam
1 year, 3 months ago

Himanta discusses with Shah complete withdrawal of AFSPA from Assam

The Hindu  

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on September 4 met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi and discussed the roadmap for complete withdrawal of the Armed Forces Act from the State. "I met Hon’ble Union Home Minister @AmitShah ji at his residence today to discuss the roadmap for the complete withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act …

Assam mulls full withdrawal of AFSPA by year-end: CM Himanta
1 year, 4 months ago

Assam mulls full withdrawal of AFSPA by year-end: CM Himanta

The Hindu  

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on August 15 said his government will take necessary steps to withdraw AFSPA from the entire State by the end of this year. Hoisting the national flag on the occasion of the 77th Independence Day here, Mr. Sarma also said around 8,000 "revolutionaries" have returned to the mainstream in the last three years. In …

AFSPA likely to be lifted completely from Assam by year end, says Himanta Biswa Sarma
1 year, 7 months ago

AFSPA likely to be lifted completely from Assam by year end, says Himanta Biswa Sarma

The Hindu  

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reiterated on May 22 that Armed Forces Special Powers Act was likely to be lifted completely from the State by the year end as the law and order situation had improved considerably. Mr. Sarma also said retired Army personnel would be appointed as Additional Superintendents of Police to impart training to the police force …

AFSPA to be withdrawn completely from Assam? CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s big hint
1 year, 7 months ago

AFSPA to be withdrawn completely from Assam? CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s big hint

Live Mint  

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said that the state government aims to withdraw Armed Forces Act completely from the state and ex-military officers will be roped in the train of the police forces of the state. Interestingly, on 30 March Assam government decided to extend the scope of AFSPA in eight districts for six more months. AFSPA …

Assam: AFSPA extended in eight districts | READ DETAILS
1 year, 8 months ago

Assam: AFSPA extended in eight districts | READ DETAILS

India TV News  

AFSPA extension in Assam: The Assam government has extended the disturbed area notification under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act for another six months in eight districts of the state from April one next. The 'disturbed area' tag will, however, be lifted from Lakhipur sub-division of Cachar district from April 1, following a review of the law and order and …

After 2022, AFSPA further reduced in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland due to improved security situation: Amit Shah
1 year, 8 months ago

After 2022, AFSPA further reduced in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland due to improved security situation: Amit Shah

The Hindu  

Home Minister Amit Shah on March 25 said that the Centre had decided to “reduce the Disturbed Areas” under the Armed Forces Act in Nagaland, Assam and Manipur due to the “significant improvement in the security situation in Northeast India”. A day previously, the AFSPA was removed from the jurisdiction of three police stations in the Wokha and Zunheboto districts …

Centre extends AFSPA in parts of Nagaland, Arunachal for 6 months
1 year, 8 months ago

Centre extends AFSPA in parts of Nagaland, Arunachal for 6 months

Deccan Chronicle  

New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry on Friday extended "disturbed area" status under the Armed Forces Act, 1958 in parts of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh for 6 months. According to the MHA notification, the central government in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the AFSPA 1958 had declared Changlang, Tirap and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh and …

AFSPA extended in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland for six months from today
2 years, 2 months ago

AFSPA extended in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland for six months from today

India Today  

The Central government has extended the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in three districts of Arunachal Pradesh and nine districts of Nagaland for six months from today. The government has also extended AFSPA in the areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai and Mahadevpur police stations in Arunachal Pradesh. "Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh and the areas …

AFSPA extended in Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh
2 years, 2 months ago

AFSPA extended in Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh

The Hindu  

The Ministry of Home Affairs has extended the Armed Forces Act in parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland for another six months. Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh and the areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai and Mahadevpur police stations in Namsai district along the Assam border, are declared as “disturbed areas” under Section 3 of the …

Ending AFSPA
2 years, 7 months ago

Ending AFSPA

The Hindu  

It augurs well for the future that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the first authentic indication that the operation of the Armed Forces Act may come to an end in the whole of the north-eastern region, if ongoing efforts to normalise the situation bear fruit. Areas notified as ‘disturbed areas’ under AFSPA have been progressively reduced in the last …

AFSPA now applicable fully only in 31 districts, partially in 12 districts of four Northeast states
2 years, 8 months ago

AFSPA now applicable fully only in 31 districts, partially in 12 districts of four Northeast states

Firstpost  

The Armed Forces Act, 1958, was completely withdrawn in Meghalaya in 2018, Tripura in 2015 and Mizoram in the 1980s. In two separate notifications issued late on Thursday, the Union Home Ministry said Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, Peren and Zunheboto districts in Nagaland and the areas falling within the jurisdiction of police stations of Khuzama, Kohima North, …

AFSPA areas to be reduced in Assam, Nagaland and Manipur
2 years, 8 months ago

AFSPA areas to be reduced in Assam, Nagaland and Manipur

Op India  

In a significant decision, the Modi government has decided to reduce the disturbed areas under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in the states of Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. In a tweet, Home Minister Amit Shah said, “In a significant step, GoI under the decisive leadership of PM Shri @NarendraModi Ji has decided to reduce disturbed areas under Armed Forces …

‘Disturbed areas’ under AFSPA cut in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland
2 years, 8 months ago

‘Disturbed areas’ under AFSPA cut in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland

The Hindu  

The Union Home Ministry has considerably reduced the “disturbed areas” under the Armed Forces Powers Act in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Thursday. “In a significant step, GoI under the decisive leadership of PM Shri @NarendraModi Ji has decided to reduce disturbed areas under Armed Forces Special Powers Act in the States of Nagaland, Assam …

Disturbed areas under AFSPA to be reduced in Nagaland, Assam and Manipur, says Amit Shah
2 years, 8 months ago

Disturbed areas under AFSPA to be reduced in Nagaland, Assam and Manipur, says Amit Shah

Firstpost  

The home minister said the decision was a result of the improved security situation and fast-tracked development due to the ‘consistent efforts’ of Prime Minister Narendra Modi The government of India on Thursday decided to reduce disturbed areas under Armed Forces Special Powers Act in the states of Nagaland, Assam and Manipur, announced Union Home Minister Amit Shah in a …

AFSPA areas to be reduced in Assam, Nagaland and Manipur: Amit Shah
2 years, 8 months ago

AFSPA areas to be reduced in Assam, Nagaland and Manipur: Amit Shah

India TV News  

Highlights Shah said reduction in areas under AFSPA is a result of the improved security situation He said fast-tracked development due to the govt's consistent efforts have brought lasting peace Shah added that NE is witnessing a new era of peace, prosperity and development Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday informed that the Centre has decided to reduce disturbed …

Disturbing Act: The AFSPA's history in the north-eastern region
2 years, 9 months ago

Disturbing Act: The AFSPA's history in the north-eastern region

The Hindu  

After the Partition violence of 1947, armed forces were deployed in large areas of the country over long periods. Significantly, Section 4a of the AFSPA allows “any commissioned officer, warrant officer, non-commissioned officer or any other person of equivalent rank in the armed forces” to fire “even to the causing of death” upon any person acting in contravention of any …

Armed Forces Special Powers Act – Fighting or Fueling Insurgencies?
2 years, 11 months ago

Armed Forces Special Powers Act – Fighting or Fueling Insurgencies?

The Diplomat  

On December 4, Indian Army personnel shot and killed six coal miners at Oting village in the northeastern state of Nagaland’s Mon district. Indeed, demands for repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 are gathering momentum not just in Nagaland but across the restive Northeast. The AFSPA is legislation that grants armed forces personnel in “disturbed areas” “certain …

AFSPA | The rule of guns that continues to haunt India
2 years, 11 months ago

AFSPA | The rule of guns that continues to haunt India

The Hindu  

O n December 26, for the first time since the Modi government came to power in 2014, the Union Home Ministry constituted a panel led by its officers to review the withdrawal of the Armed Forces Act in Nagaland. ‘Disturbed areas’ The Act was amended in 1972 and the powers to declare an area as “disturbed” were conferred concurrently upon …

AFSPA extended in 'disturbed' Nagaland for six more months
2 years, 11 months ago

AFSPA extended in 'disturbed' Nagaland for six more months

India TV News  

The Centre on Thursday declared the entire Nagaland as a "disturbed area" for six more months with effect from December 30 under the AFSPA while terming the state's condition "disturbed and dangerous". The move came days after the Union government constituted a high-level committee to examine the possibility of the withdrawal of the controversial Armed Forces Act from Nagaland. "Whereas …

AFSPA extended in Nagaland for another six months: A look at the controversial law and why it is debated
2 years, 11 months ago

AFSPA extended in Nagaland for another six months: A look at the controversial law and why it is debated

Firstpost  

The decision comes just days after the Centre had formed a special five-member panel to look into the withdrawal of it and was given 45 days to submit its report The controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 or AFSPA legislation, which has inspired dissent and countless discussions, has been extended in Nagaland for another six months. The decision to …

After Mon Incident, Voices from the Ground: Need Armed Forces not AFSPA
3 years ago

After Mon Incident, Voices from the Ground: Need Armed Forces not AFSPA

News 18  

The killing of 14 persons in Nagaland’s Mon district has once again reignited the 40-year-old demand to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. Residents of nearby villages including the elderly placed white clothes and flowers over the slain bodies of the Assam Rifles officer and others and carried them and the injured to the vehicles and the helicopters for …

Explained | Which States in the N.E. are under AFSPA?
3 years ago

Explained | Which States in the N.E. are under AFSPA?

The Hindu  

The story so far: The killing of 14 civilians in a botched military operation in Nagaland has led to fresh calls for repealing The Armed Forces Act, a stringent law that allows the armed forces to use maximum force in an area declared as ‘disturbed’. Under this law, an area can be declared a ‘disturbed area’, bringing into play the …

Killing of civilians in Nagaland: What is AFSPA and why is it so controversial?
3 years ago

Killing of civilians in Nagaland: What is AFSPA and why is it so controversial?

India Today  

The Armed Forces Special Powers Act is back in controversy after Indian Army’s para commandos shot 14 civilians in Nagaland's Mon district. The AFSPA grants the armed forces extraordinary powers and legal immunity to bring back order in areas designated as "disturbed" by the government. Read | Civilian killing in Nagaland: Case of mistaken identity, says Home Minister Amit Shah …

Nagaland killings should prompt a broad rethink
3 years ago

Nagaland killings should prompt a broad rethink

Live Mint  

Peace talks between India’s government and insurgent groups in Nagaland have long been tentative at best, but our progress of the past half decade or more was put at threat by lives lost in a shocking turn of events over the weekend. Reports suggest that a false tip-off on rebel movement in Mon district of Nagaland led our Army to …

AFSPA extended for six more months in Assam
3 years, 3 months ago

AFSPA extended for six more months in Assam

India TV News  

The BJP-led government in Assam has extended the Armed Forces Act in the state for six more months beyond August 28, an official statement said on Saturday. "The Government of Assam in exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces Act, 1958 has declared the entire state of Assam as 'Disturbed Area' up to six months with …

Assam extends 'Distributed Area' status under AFSPA for another 6 months
3 years, 3 months ago

Assam extends 'Distributed Area' status under AFSPA for another 6 months

India Today  

The Assam government extended the ''Disturbed Area'' status of the state for another six months from August 28 under the Armed Forces Act, according to an official statement issued on Saturday. "The Government of Assam in exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces Act, 1958 has declared the entire State of Assam as "Disturbed Area" up …

Assam Governor Declares State 'Disturbed Area' Ahead of Assembly Elections
3 years, 10 months ago

Assam Governor Declares State 'Disturbed Area' Ahead of Assembly Elections

News 18  

Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi on Wednesday announced that the entire state has been declared a “disturbed area” under the Armed Forces Act for six months ahead of the assembly elections in April-May. As per a release issued by the state government, “As per powers conferred under Section 3 of the Armed Forces Act, 1958, the Governor of Assam has declared …

Centre Declares Whole Of Nagaland As 'Disturbed Area' To Extend AFSPA For Six More Months [Read Notification]
4 years, 5 months ago

Centre Declares Whole Of Nagaland As 'Disturbed Area' To Extend AFSPA For Six More Months [Read Notification]

Live Law  

The Central Government has declared the whole of the State of Nagaland to be a 'disturbed area' to extend the operation of Armed Forces Act in the state for a further period of six months with effect from 30th June, 2020.A notification to this effect has been issued and the same is published on the Official Gazette yesterday. Section 3 …

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