Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA)
AFSPA empowers security forces operating in "disturbed areas" to use force, arrest without warrant, enter and search premises, and enjoy legal immunity for actions taken in the line of duty. It was enacted under Entry 2A of the Union List following the Seventh Amendment (1956) and is operationalised through a "disturbed area" declaration by the Central or State government.
- As of April 2025, the Central government extended AFSPA for six months across most of Manipur, exempting 13 police station areas (primarily in the Imphal valley) in five districts including Thoubal and Bishnupur.
- AFSPA had been progressively rolled back in valley police station limits since 2022 but was re-extended to some valley areas in November 2024 after violence escalated.
- Hill districts — where Kuki-Zo communities are concentrated — continue to be covered under the Act.
- AFSPA remains controversial: the Reddy Committee (2004) and the Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee (2005) recommended its repeal or significant reform.
● Tracked since April 10, 2026 · last seen August 27, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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