AFSPA extended in Manipur amid ongoing violence, highlighting governance and security challenges

Hindustan Times - India · 26 Sept 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Polity Mains · GS2 Governance High relevance

The Centre has extended Manipur's 'disturbed area' status under AFSPA for six more months due to persistent violence, underscoring ongoing security and governance challenges in the Northeast.

Key points

AFSPA extension: The Ministry of Home Affairs extended Manipur's 'disturbed area' status under AFSPA for six months from October 1, 2026, citing continued violence.

Legal basis: The extension is authorized under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, which allows the Centre to declare areas as 'disturbed'.

Historical context: Manipur was first declared a 'disturbed area' in April 2023 when violence erupted, with repeated extensions since then.

Geographical scope: Certain areas in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching districts are excluded from the 'disturbed area' designation.

Recent violence: Four villagers were killed in Kamjong district near the Indo-Myanmar border by suspected Myanmar-based militants, highlighting cross-border security threats.

[GS2-Governance] The AFSPA extension reflects systemic governance challenges in conflict resolution and human rights protection in the Northeast.

[GS3-Security] The persistent violence underscores the need for comprehensive security strategies addressing both internal and cross-border threats.

Way Forward: The government should initiate multi-stakeholder dialogues for conflict resolution, enhance cross-border security cooperation with Myanmar, and implement development programs to address root causes of insurgency.

Key terms

Northeast Insurgency

A complex security challenge involving multiple ethnic separatist movements in India's northeastern states. Rooted in historical grievances, ethnic identities, and demands for autonomy, these insurgencies have led to prolonged AFSPA implementation and significant security expenditures.

Indo-Myanmar Border

A 1,643 km porous border shared with Myanmar, significant for cross-border insurgent movements and drug trafficking. The Free Movement Regime allows tribal communities to travel 16 km across the border without visas, complicating security management in conflict-prone regions like Manipur.

AFSPA

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 grants special powers to the armed forces in 'disturbed areas' to maintain public order. It allows for the use of force, arrest without warrant, and immunity from prosecution without central government sanction. Controversial for its human rights implications, it remains a critical tool for counterinsurgency operations in Northeast India and Jammu & Kashmir.

Disturbed Area

A designation under AFSPA where the armed forces have special powers. Declared when an area is in such a disturbed or dangerous condition that the use of armed forces in aid of civil power is necessary. The declaration is made by the Centre or Governor under Section 3 of AFSPA, renewable every six months.