Manipur: 6 Police Stations Declared as ‘Disturbed Areas’, AFSPA Reimposed

The Manipur government had previously declared the state as a disturbed area, with the exception of regions under 19 police stations.

In response to the ongoing ethnic violence and growing security concerns in Manipur, the Government of Manipur has declared six police station areas as “disturbed areas” under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA). This extension, effective immediately till March next year, grants security forces additional authority to conduct operations aimed at curbing violence and insurgency activities.

The Manipur government had previously declared the state as a disturbed area, with the exception of regions under 19 police stations, as per a notification dated September 26, 2024. This initial declaration was set for a six-month period beginning October 1, 2024, but ongoing ethnic clashes and violence have necessitated a review of security arrangements.

The Gazette notification said that the security situation in Manipur was reviews with key stakeholders and “It is noted that situation continues to remain volatile amidst ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur and intermittent firing in violence-prone area continues in the fringe areas of Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Imphal East, Kangpokpi, Imphal West, and Jiribam with several instances of active participation of insurgent groups in heinous acts of violence”.

Following this security assessment, the Central Government has now included the Sekmai (Imphal West), Lamsang (Imphal West), Lamlai (Imphal East), Jiribam (Jiribam District), Leimakhong (Kangpokpi), Moirang (Bishnupur) police stations as disturbed areas under AFSPA.

Now, of the 19 police stations 13 – Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Patsoi, Wangoi, Porompat, Heingang, Irilbung, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Nambol, Kakching are outside the ‘Disturbed Area’ tag and not under the AFSPA.

Also Read: Children’s Day in Manipur Turns Into Protest Day as Students Demand Release of Abducted Civilians Including Minors

Also Watch:

For more news and updates, visit: Northeast Live

COMMENTS