1. AFSPA extended in Nagaland for 6 more months, until September 30, for security reasons.
2. Eight districts and 21 police stations are designated as ‘disturbed’ areas under AFSPA.
3. Measures aim to ensure security and law enforcement in specified regions.
Kohima, March 28: The Centre has decided to extend the application of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Nagaland for another six months until September 30, citing the need for continued security measures in certain districts.
Eight districts and 21 police stations across five additional districts of Nagaland have been designated as ‘disturbed’ areas, allowing for the enforcement of AFSPA. These districts include Kohima, Mangkolemba, Mokokchung-I, Longtho, Tuli, Longchem, Anaki ‘C’, Longleng, and Wokha.
The decision to extend AFSPA was made after a comprehensive review of the law and order situation in Nagaland. It was deemed necessary to maintain the status quo and uphold security measures in these districts to ensure peace and stability.
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The areas under the jurisdiction of several police stations, including Ghatashi, Pughoboto, Satakha, Suruhuto, Zunheboto, Aghunato, Khuzama, Kohima North, Kohima South, Zubza, and Kezocha, are also covered under the extended AFSPA provisions.
The extension of the “disturbed area” classification under Section 3 of AFSPA was warranted as the previous notification was set to expire on March 31, 2024.
This move follows a similar extension last year, when the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) prolonged the application of AFSPA for six months in certain areas of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, starting from October 1.
Under AFSPA, the armed forces and Central Armed Police Forces deployed in ‘disturbed areas’ are granted special powers to maintain law and order.
These powers include the authority to use lethal force against violators of the law, conduct searches and arrests without warrants, and provide immunity from prosecution without prior approval from the Central government.
