The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the AFSPA for another six months. The order covers disturbed areas in Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. Notably, the MHA issued the notification on 25 September 2026. The extension takes effect from 1 October 2026. It will stay in force for six months, unless the government withdraws it earlier.
AFSPA has been extended for six months from 1 October 2026 in disturbed areas of Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.
Areas Covered Under AFSPA
According to the notification, the disturbed areas are as follows:
- Manipur: The entire state, except areas under 13 police stations
- Nagaland: Nine full districts, along with 21 police station areas in five other districts
- Arunachal Pradesh: Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts, plus some police station areas in Namsai district
In Nagaland, the nine districts are Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, Peren and Meluri. Similarly, in Namsai, the order covers the Mahadevpur and Chowkham police station areas.
What Is AFSPA?
AFSPA stands for the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958. Essentially, it gives special powers to the armed forces in “disturbed areas”. Under Section 3, the Centre or the state can declare an area disturbed. Moreover, such a declaration usually lasts six months at a time.
Key Powers Under AFSPA
The Act allows the armed forces to act firmly in disturbed areas. For example, they can search premises and arrest people without a warrant. Also, they can use force, after due warning, against people breaking the law. Furthermore, the Act protects officers from prosecution without the Centre’s prior approval.
The Debate Around AFSPA
Supporters say AFSPA helps the forces tackle insurgency in difficult areas. However, critics raise concerns about human rights and accountability. In fact, the Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee (2005) recommended repealing the Act. Meanwhile, the government has steadily reduced AFSPA areas over the years. For instance, Tripura removed AFSPA in 2015, and Meghalaya followed in 2018.
Why the Extension Matters
Manipur has faced ethnic violence and unrest in recent years. Hence, the Centre wants security forces to keep special powers there. At the same time, the exclusion of 13 police stations shows a careful, area-wise approach. Likewise, partial coverage in Nagaland and Arunachal reflects local security needs.
Why AFSPA Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, AFSPA is a key topic for internal security and polity papers. So, remember the year of the Act, Section 3 and the states covered. Also, prepare arguments on both sides of the debate. For official updates, also visit the Ministry of Home Affairs. Next, for a related story, read about the DRDO missile technology transfer to private industry.
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