Ukhrul, September 27: The Government of India has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958, in Manipur for another six-months. This decision, announced via a notification in The Gazette of India on September 26, 2025, comes as part of an ongoing review of the law and order situation in the northeastern state, effective from October 1, 2025.
This extension will remain in place for six months, until March 26, 2026, unless withdrawn earlier.
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According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) notification, the entire state of Manipur, excluding the areas falling under the jurisdiction of 13 Police Stations of five districts, has been declared as ‘disturbed area’. These 13 Police Stations included Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Patsoi, Wangoi in Imphal West district; Porompat, Heingang and Irilbung in Imphal East district; Thoubal; Bishnupur and Nambol in Bishnupur; and Kakching.
The AFSPA grants special powers to the armed forces in regions designated as ‘disturbed areas,’ allowing them to conduct operations and use force without prior warrant.
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