📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Original: Samudra Bikash Hazarika
Derivative wor
Defence
AFSPA Extended for Six Months in Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh
✍️ Outlook India
🗓 26 Sep 2026, 12:47 AM
👁 15
The central government has renewed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh for another six months, keeping the security provisions in place.
New Delhi – The Ministry of Home Affairs announced a six‑month extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for the northeastern states of Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. The move comes as the previous AFSPA expiry date approached, prompting the government to maintain the special security framework in the region.
Under the extended provisions, security forces will continue to enjoy the powers granted by the act, including the authority to arrest without a warrant, use force when necessary, and conduct searches in designated areas. The extension is intended to address ongoing insurgency challenges and to support law‑enforcement operations aimed at restoring normalcy.
The decision has drawn mixed reactions. While officials argue that the extension is essential for maintaining peace and stability, civil society groups and some political leaders have reiterated calls for a review of the act, citing concerns over human rights and accountability.
The six‑month period will be reviewed before any further action, with the government indicating that the extension will be reassessed based on the security situation on the ground.
Under the extended provisions, security forces will continue to enjoy the powers granted by the act, including the authority to arrest without a warrant, use force when necessary, and conduct searches in designated areas. The extension is intended to address ongoing insurgency challenges and to support law‑enforcement operations aimed at restoring normalcy.
The decision has drawn mixed reactions. While officials argue that the extension is essential for maintaining peace and stability, civil society groups and some political leaders have reiterated calls for a review of the act, citing concerns over human rights and accountability.
The six‑month period will be reviewed before any further action, with the government indicating that the extension will be reassessed based on the security situation on the ground.