AFSPA extended by six months in Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal
Why in the news
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued Gazette notifications on 25 September 2026 keeping the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in force in Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh for another six months, effective 1 October 2026.
Key facts
- Period: six months, 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027.
- Manipur: the entire state stays a disturbed area, leaving out 13 police station areas spread over five valley districts.
- Nagaland: nine districts in full, along with 21 police station areas in five other districts.
- Arunachal Pradesh: three districts in full and three police stations of Namsai district.
| State | Fully covered | Partly covered / excluded |
|---|---|---|
| Manipur | Whole state | Excluded: 13 police stations in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching |
| Nagaland | Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, Peren, Meluri | Police station areas in Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng, Wokha, Zunheboto |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Tirap, Changlang, Longding | Namsai, Mahadevpur and Chowkham police stations (Namsai district) |
About AFSPA
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act is a Union law passed in 1958. Once an area is declared ‘disturbed’, the armed forces may search premises, arrest without a warrant in specified situations and use force under legal conditions. Such a declaration can be made by the Centre or the Governor and lasts for a limited period. Prosecution of personnel needs prior sanction of the Central Government.
Exam angle
- AFSPA year: 1958; nodal ministry: Home Affairs.
- Arunachal’s AFSPA districts: Tirap, Changlang, Longding.
- Extension runs till 31 March 2027.