📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Gurtej Chauhan
Defence
Government extends AFSPA in Arunachal Pradesh for six more months
✍️ Hindustan Times
🗓 26 Sep 2026, 12:34 AM
👁 13
The Union government has prolonged the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in selected districts of Arunachal Pradesh for another half‑year, citing security concerns.
New Delhi announced on Monday that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) will remain in force for an additional six months in designated areas of Arunachal Pradesh. The extension, approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs, is intended to address ongoing security challenges along the state’s border with China.
The decision follows a review of the security situation in the region, where occasional insurgent activity and cross‑border tensions have been reported. Officials said the continued deployment of special powers is necessary to maintain law and order and protect civilians.
The extension will be effective from the date of notification and will be reviewed before its expiry. No new operational details were disclosed, and the government reiterated its commitment to a peaceful resolution of border disputes.
Human rights groups have previously called for the repeal of AFSPA, but the central government maintains that the law remains essential for national security in sensitive border areas.
The move has been welcomed by local authorities who argue that the act provides a legal framework for swift action against any threats to the state's stability.
The decision follows a review of the security situation in the region, where occasional insurgent activity and cross‑border tensions have been reported. Officials said the continued deployment of special powers is necessary to maintain law and order and protect civilians.
The extension will be effective from the date of notification and will be reviewed before its expiry. No new operational details were disclosed, and the government reiterated its commitment to a peaceful resolution of border disputes.
Human rights groups have previously called for the repeal of AFSPA, but the central government maintains that the law remains essential for national security in sensitive border areas.
The move has been welcomed by local authorities who argue that the act provides a legal framework for swift action against any threats to the state's stability.