Centre extends AFSPA in parts of Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh for six months
25 September 2026
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in specified "disturbed areas" of Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh for six months from October 1, through Gazette notifications published on 25 September 2026.
In Manipur, the disturbed-area declaration covers the whole state except areas under 13 police stations in five districts: Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching.
In Nagaland, it covers nine districts — Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, Peren and Meluri — and areas under 21 police stations in Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng, Wokha and Zunheboto districts.
In Arunachal Pradesh, it covers Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts and areas under the Namsai, Mahadevpur and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district, which borders Assam.
The notifications cite Section 3 of the Act, under which an area can be declared "disturbed", and say the decision followed a further review of the law and order situation.
In plain words
AFSPA Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 — A central law that gives the armed forces special powers in areas declared disturbed.
Disturbed area — An area notified under Section 3 of AFSPA, where the Act's special powers apply.
Gazette notification — An official order published in the Gazette of India, which gives it legal effect.