The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for another six months in select areas of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Nagaland, effective from October 1, 2025.

In Manipur, AFSPA remains in force across the hill districts, while exemptions continue in 13 police station areas of the valley, including parts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching. The extension comes amid ongoing ethnic clashes between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which have claimed over 200 lives since May 2023. The state has been under President’s Rule since February 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.

In Nagaland, the Act continues in nine districts—Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, Peren, and Meluri—and 21 police station areas of Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng, Wokha, and Zunheboto, due to persistent insurgent activity and inter-tribal tensions.

In Arunachal Pradesh, AFSPA remains applicable in the eastern districts of Tirap, Changlang, and Longding, and parts of Namsai district (Mahadevpur, Chowkham, and Namsai PS jurisdictions), areas considered vulnerable to cross-border infiltration.

Enacted in 1958, AFSPA grants sweeping powers to the armed forces to search, arrest, and use force in “disturbed areas.” While the government calls it essential for maintaining security, rights groups and civil society organizations continue to denounce it as “draconian,” citing alleged cases of extrajudicial killings and arbitrary detentions.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the situation will be “reviewed periodically,” with the possibility of earlier withdrawal if peace improves. Another round of ethnic reconciliation talks in Manipur is expected soon.

For now, the extension underscores the Centre’s balancing act between national security and the pursuit of peace and normalcy in one of India’s most sensitive regions.