Manipur remains largely under AFSPA, with exemptions reduced to 13 police stations across five valley districts, reflecting limited relaxation amid continued unrest.
BY PC Bureau
September 26, 2025– September 26, 2025 – In a move reflecting the Centre’s continuing concerns over insurgency and ethnic strife in the Northeast, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in large parts of Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh for another six months, effective October 1, 2025.
MANIPUR
In Manipur, the MHA has declared the entire state a “disturbed area” under Section 3 of the AFSPA, 1958, excluding 13 police stations across five valley districts. The exempted jurisdictions are:
-
Imphal West: Imphal, Lamphal, City, Singjamei, Patsoi, Wangoi
-
Imphal East: Porompat, Heingang, Irilbung
-
Thoubal: Thoubal
-
Bishnupur: Bishnupur, Nambol
-
Kakching: Kakching
This exemption, however, is a reduction from the 15 police stations kept out of AFSPA’s purview in 2022. It underscores the government’s attempt at a calibrated relaxation in relatively stable valley areas while retaining strict control in hill regions, which remain volatile following the Meitei-Kuki ethnic clashes since May 2023. Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025, and the latest extension follows a detailed security review.
AFSPA extended in few districts of Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/EJHUUAr5k0
— Ankur Sharma (@AnkurSharma__) September 26, 2025
NAGALAND
In Nagaland, AFSPA has been extended to nine districts and areas under 21 police stations. The districts include Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, Peren, and Meluri. Additionally, the Act will apply in parts of Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng, Wokha, and Zunheboto districts.
The extension—valid until March 31, 2026 unless revoked earlier—builds on previous notifications issued in March and April 2025. It reflects the state’s lingering insurgency risks, compounded by its strategic location bordering Myanmar and the slow-moving peace talks with the NSCN-IM.
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
In Arunachal Pradesh, AFSPA will continue in the insurgency-prone Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts, as well as areas under the Namsai, Mahadevpur, and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district. These areas, bordering Assam and Myanmar, remain vulnerable to cross-border militant incursions and arms trafficking linked to NSCN factions.
AFSPA grants sweeping powers to armed forces, including the authority to conduct searches, arrest without warrants, and use lethal force if necessary. While the government defends it as indispensable for counter-insurgency operations, human rights organizations have long decried its potential for abuse.
The latest extensions come as the Centre seeks to balance military operations with gradual political dialogue, even as sporadic violence and ethnic clashes continue to undermine peace in the Northeast.
