GUWAHATI: The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act has been extended for another six months in eight districts of Nagaland and parts of Arunachal Pradesh. The decision was taken after reviewing, in detail, the law and order situation in the Northeastern states.
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The AFSPA grants the armed forces sweeping powers to search and arrest anyone in any area designated as "disturbed." The central government has declared these areas as such based on ongoing security challenges assessed by the government.
In Nagaland, the Dimapur district, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, and Peren will remain under AFSPA. Another area that is specifically under the police stations of Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng, Wokha, and Zunheboto have once again been declared as a disturbed area.
Three districts in Arunachal Pradesh will remain under AFSPA as the step is reportedly undertaken for the benefit of the armed forces in conducting their operations throughout the sensitive areas concerned.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier said the AFSPA has been removed in 70 per cent areas of the Northeastern states, though still enforced in Jammu and Kashmir.