Centre extends AFSPA in parts of three northeastern states

The Centre has extended the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in specified areas of Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh for six months from October 1, 2026, according to notifications issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The orders allow the declarations to be withdrawn earlier. In Manipur, the disturbed-area declaration covers the state except areas under 13 police stations in five districts: Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching. The notifications list the excluded police-station jurisdictions, including Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Patsoi and Wangoi in Imphal West; Porompat, Heingang and Irilbung in Imphal East; Thoubal; Bishnupur and Nambol; and Kakching. In Nagaland, AFSPA remains in force in nine districts: Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, Peren and Meluri. The extension also covers areas under 21 police stations in Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng, Wokha and Zunheboto districts. In Arunachal Pradesh, the order covers Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts, as well as areas under the Namsai, Mahadevpur and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district.