Polity & Governance
AFSPA Extended for Six Months in Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal: What the Law Allows and Why It Is Debated
By Shivam Singh, Founder & Mentor, Minimalist IAS
· Updated · 3 min read
The Union Home Ministry has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) by six more months in parts of Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, while easing Nagaland’s ‘disturbed area’ tag to fewer districts because of an improved security situation. AFSPA lets the armed forces arrest, search and use force in a disturbed area, with protection from prosecution absent Union sanction.
In the news (26 September 2026): The Union Home Ministry extended AFSPA by six months in Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, even as Nagaland’s ‘disturbed area’ tag was eased to fewer districts citing improved security.
Where does AFSPA now apply?
Manipur: AFSPA continues across the State except 13 police stations in five valley districts, given continuing ethnic violence since May 2023.
Nagaland: The extension now covers select districts and police stations rather than the whole State, reflecting an ‘improved security situation’.
Arunachal Pradesh: Three districts and as many police stations bordering Assam remain declared ‘disturbed areas’.
What does AFSPA allow, and why is it debated?
Legal effect: AFSPA, 1958 empowers the armed forces to arrest and search without warrant and use force in a ‘disturbed area’, with protection from prosecution absent Union government sanction.
History: AFSPA has applied in Manipur since 1981; Manipur, once a Union Territory, attained Statehood only in 1972.
Reform debate: The Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee (2005) recommended repealing AFSPA and folding its operational provisions into the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act instead.
Why it matters for UPSC
GS Papers 2 and 3: weigh AFSPA’s security rationale against human-rights concerns, using the Supreme Court’s guidance (encounter-death guidelines) and the Jeevan Reddy Committee’s repeal-and-replace recommendation.
Practice: Mains question
Human rights activists constantly highlight that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a draconian law leading to human rights abuses by security forces. Critically evaluate this claim with reference to the safeguards read into the Act by the Supreme Court. (150 words)
Related PYQ — UPSC Mains 2015, GS Paper 3: “Human right activists constantly highlight the fact that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a draconian act leading to cases of human right abuses by security forces. What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the activists? Critically evaluate the requirement with reference to the view held by the Apex Court.”
Terms to know
AFSPA: Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act
UAPA: Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act
Frequently asked questions
What powers does AFSPA give the armed forces?
In an area declared ‘disturbed’, the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 lets the armed forces arrest and search without a warrant and use force, and protects them from prosecution unless the Union government grants sanction.
In which States was AFSPA extended in September 2026?
In parts of Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, for six more months. Manipur’s coverage excludes 13 police stations in five valley districts, and Nagaland’s was narrowed to select districts and police stations.
What did the Jeevan Reddy Committee recommend on AFSPA?
The Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee (2005) recommended repealing AFSPA and moving its operational provisions into the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Since when has AFSPA applied in Manipur?
AFSPA has applied in Manipur since 1981. Manipur, once a Union Territory, attained Statehood in 1972.
Key takeaways
The extension is narrower in Nagaland — a signal that ‘disturbed area’ declarations can be scaled down as security improves.
Immunity from prosecution without Union sanction is the core of the human-rights critique.
The Jeevan Reddy Committee’s repeal-and-fold-into-UAPA proposal is the standard reform reference for Mains.
Related reading
From The Daily UPSC Brief, 26 September 2026 — by Shivam Singh.
Spotted an error or something outdated? Tell us — we correct it.
About the author
Shivam Singh
Founder & Mentor, Minimalist IAS
Shivam has been through every stage of the exam himself — Prelims, repeated Mains attempts across UPSC and state civil services, and the interview board. For 7 years he has mentored aspirants one-to-one, helping 100+ clear various stages of the exam, including final selections.
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