The Union Home Ministry has announced a six-month extension of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in eight districts of Nagaland and three districts of Arunachal Pradesh, following a review of the law and order situation in these northeastern states. This declaration aims to facilitate operations by armed forces in areas designated as ‘disturbed.’

The notification issued on Wednesday night specified that, starting October 1, 2024, the districts in Nagaland classified as disturbed include Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, and Peren. Additionally, 21 police station areas across five other districts, such as Kohima and Mokokchung, will also be affected.

Specific police station areas declared disturbed in Nagaland include Khuzama, Kohima North, Kohima South, Zubza, and Kezocha in Kohima District, as well as Mangkolemba, Mokokchung-I, Longtho, Tuli, Longchem, and Anaki ‘C’ in Mokokchung District. Other affected police stations are located in Wokha and Zunheboto Districts.

Under AFSPA, armed forces are granted broad powers to conduct searches, make arrests, and use lethal force if necessary to maintain public order. The Home Ministry noted that a comprehensive review of the security situation in Nagaland had been completed prior to this extension.

In Arunachal Pradesh, the notification confirmed that the districts of Tirap, Changlang, and Longding, along with certain police station jurisdictions in Namsai district, will also be classified as disturbed areas for six months starting October 1, 2024.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has previously mentioned that AFSPA has been lifted in 70% of the northeastern states, but it remains in effect in Jammu and Kashmir, where discussions about its possible repeal are ongoing. Various groups continue to call for the act’s abolition in both Jammu and Kashmir and the northeastern states.