NEWS – The Union government has reintroduced the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in six critical areas across five districts in Manipur due to escalating violence and volatility in the region. This move aims to enhance security measures and stabilize the area, which has witnessed over 200 fatalities and thousands of displaced individuals since May last year.

BACKGROUND OF AFSPA

AFSPA originated as a British-era law in 1947 to suppress the Quit India movement and was later replaced by an Act in 1948. The present AFSPA, enforced in the Northeast, was introduced by Home Minister G.B. Pant in 1958.

KEY PROVISIONS OF AFSPA

The Act grants sweeping powers to armed forces and Central police forces in “disturbed areas” to:

• Use force, even to the extent of causing death, to maintain public order
• Arrest individuals and search premises without a warrant
• Legal Protections: Armed personnel are granted immunity from prosecution and legal suits for actions taken under AFSPA

CONTROVERSIES SURROUNDING AFSPA

Human rights concerns include excessive powers, fake encounters, and human rights violations. The Jeevan Reddy Committee and Second Administrative Reforms Commission have recommended repealing AFSPA, but these suggestions remain unimplemented.

CURRENT SITUATION

The affected areas under AFSPA include Sekmai and Lamsang in Imphal West district, Lamlai in Imphal East district, Jiribam in Jiribam district, Leimakhong in Kangpokpi, and Moirang in Bishnupur. The reintroduction of AFSPA has sparked concerns among locals, who have experienced militarized violence, including sexual violence, and human rights abuses