Manipur extends Afspa for 6 more months

GUWAHATI: Manipur govt on Monday extended Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act for six more months with effect from Oct 1 across the state, which remains a " disturbed area ", except for the areas falling under the jurisdiction of 19 designated police stations, including Imphal city. The act gives special powers to members of the armed forces in zones which are declared as 'disturbed areas'.

In its order, govt stated that it believed the "violent activities of various extremist/insurgent groups warrant the use of armed forces in aid of civil administration". The state, after analysing the prevailing law and order situation, believes it is not expedient to conduct a detailed assessment on the ground at present as sister agencies are preoccupied with maintaining law and order, it said. "It will be premature to arrive at any conclusion or decision on such a sensitive matter without detailed assessment. It is not appropriate to review 'disturbed area' status of the state at the moment," it added.