India
oi-Swastika Sruti
In the latest development, the Centre has extended the “disturbed area” status under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958, across most of Manipur for another six months from October 1, 2026.
The Centre extended the AFSPA disturbed area status in most of Manipur for six months from October 1, 2026, citing security concerns amidst ethnic violence, while also renewing AFSPA in specified districts and police station areas of Nagaland.
The latest notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) excludes areas falling under 13 specified police stations from the AFSPA declaration. The order will remain in force until March 31, 2027, unless withdrawn earlier.
The decision comes amid continued security concerns in the state, where ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities has continued since May 2023.
Manipur Under AFSPA Except 13 Police Station Areas
From the notification issued by the MHA recently, the entire state of Manipur has been declared as “disturbed areas” under section 3 of the AFSPA, except those parts of the state which are within the purview of the 13 stated police stations.
Ministry of Home Affairs today extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 in the entire state of Manipur, excluding the areas falling under the jurisdiction of 13 Police stations– Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Patsoi, Wangor, Porompat, Heingang, Irilbung, Thoubal,… pic.twitter.com/PhWo7SGLGf
— ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2026
This move has been made by the Central Government after taking into consideration the security situation prevailing in the state.
Under the AFSPA, the central or state government has the right to declare any area as “disturbed” if they believe that there is enough disturbance or danger for which the help of the armed forces becomes necessary.
The armed forces have some special powers under this Act in the disturbed areas.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has declared the entire state of Manipur, excluding areas under 13 specified police stations, as a “disturbed area” under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.
The declaration will remain in effect for six months from October 1, 2026, unless… pic.twitter.com/sy1GbMDfTt
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 25, 2026
Violence Has Continued Since May 2023
Manipur has witnessed prolonged ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May 2023. Manipur has witnessed prolonged ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May 2023. The violence has resulted in hundreds of deaths and large-scale displacement, with security forces continuing operations in several affected areas.
The latest extension also comes against the backdrop of fresh violence in the state. According to the information provided, four Naga individuals were killed in Kangpokpi district, adding to concerns over the security situation.
What Does AFSPA Mean For Manipur?
The extension of the AFSPA “disturbed area” notification implies that the special powers granted to the army through the Act will be exercised in those areas covered by the notification.
The law is supposed to help the security forces tackle situations where there are serious threats to the order and security of the state.
The areas that are exempted through the 13 police stations are, however, not included in the new disturbed-area notification.
Centre Also Extends AFSPA In Nagaland
The MHA has also renewed the AFSPA in Nagaland for another six months, which will begin on October 1, 2026. These latest notifications pertain to nine districts as well as the specified areas of 21 police stations in five other districts.
The nine districts which are declared as disturbed districts are Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, Peren, and Meluri. Apart from that, specified police station areas of Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng, Wokha, and Zunheboto have also been added to the list. The decision was taken after reviewing the law-and-order situation in Nagaland.
The latest orders for both Manipur and Nagaland will remain effective for six months from October 1, 2026, unless the respective declarations are withdrawn before the end of that period.
The continuation of AFSPA keeps the security situation in both northeastern states under close central monitoring as authorities assess whether conditions have improved enough for the special security provisions to be withdrawn.
