Manipur: MHA declares majority of state as ‘disturbed area’ under AFSPA for 6 month from October 1: What does it mean?

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday extended the classification of most of Manipur as a “disturbed area” under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958, while keeping 13 police station areas outside its purview.

The notification will take effect from October 1, and remain valid for six months, unless the Centre revokes it before the period ends.

What is a ‘disturbed area’?

Under Section 3 of the AFSPA, 1958, a “disturbed area” is an area officially declared through a notification in the Official Gazette where the situation is sufficiently disturbed or dangerous that the use of armed forces is considered necessary to assist the civil administration.

The law allows such a declaration when there are severe disturbances, violence or conflicts involving different religious, racial, linguistic, regional, caste or community groups.

Under AFSPA, armed forces personnel in a declared ‘disturbed area’ can:

Use force: After giving due warning, use force, including lethal force, against people violating orders prohibiting certain assemblies or possession of weapons/explosives.

Destroy armed facilities: Destroy arms dumps, fortified positions, shelters or structures used for armed attacks, training or as hideouts.

Arrest without warrant: Arrest without a warrant anyone who has committed, or is reasonably suspected of committing or about to commit, a cognizable offence.

Search without warrant: Enter and search premises without a warrant to make an arrest, rescue a person believed to be wrongfully confined, or recover suspected stolen property, weapons, ammunition or explosives.

(This is a developing story. More to come)