The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for another six months in large parts of Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, with effect from October 1, 2025, following a review of the prevailing law and order situation.

In Manipur, the MHA issued a notification declaring the entire state as a “disturbed area” under AFSPA, excluding 13 police station areas spread across five districts—Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching. The exempted police station areas include six in Imphal West (Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Patsoi, and Wangoi), three in Imphal East (Porompat, Heingang, and Irilbung), two in Bishnupur (Bishnupur and Nambol), and one each in Thoubal and Kakching districts.

The ministry also announced the extension of AFSPA in nine districts and 21 police station areas across five other districts of Nagaland, declaring them as “disturbed areas” for six months beginning October 1.

AFSPA, enacted in 1958, grants sweeping powers to armed forces operating in areas classified as “disturbed,” including the authority to search, arrest, and open fire if deemed necessary. The Act also provides legal immunity to personnel from prosecution without prior sanction of the Central government.

The “disturbed area” status had been in force across Manipur (excluding the Imphal municipality area) from 2004 until early 2022. In April 2022, the state government had partially lifted AFSPA by removing 13 police station areas across Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Jiribam from its purview. Manipur currently comprises 16 districts.