Imphal, Sept 30:   The Government of Manipur has decided to extend the “Disturbed Area” status across the state, effective October 1, 2024, while exempting 19 specific police station jurisdictions. This measure comes in response to ongoing violence from various extremist and insurgent groups, necessitating the involvement of Armed Forces to support civil administration.

The exempted police stations include Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Sekmai, Lamsang, Patsoi, Wangoi, Porompat, Heingang, Lamlai, Irilbung, Jiribam, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Nambol, Moirang, Kakching, and Leimakhong.

Government officials indicated that a comprehensive assessment of the law and order situation is currently impractical, as security agencies are focused on maintaining order. They warned that any hasty conclusions about this sensitive matter could provoke public discontent. As a result, the government has opted to retain the existing disturbed area designation for another six months.

This extension has been approved by the Governor under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, reaffirming the designation of the entire state as a “Disturbed Area,” while excluding the specified police station jurisdictions.