Complete Story:
The Manipur government has requested the Centre to withdraw the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from six police station areas in the state. This request came after a recent meeting of the State Cabinet on November 15, 2024. The AFSPA had been reimposed in these areas on November 14, 2024, following a fresh wave of violence in Jiribam. The areas affected include Sekmai, Lamsang, Lamlai, Jiribam, Leimakhong, and Morang police stations. The Manipur government cited a significant improvement in the security situation and the need to review the AFSPA declaration in the public interest.
Background:
The AFSPA has been a contentious issue in Manipur since it was first imposed in 1980. The act grants special powers to the armed forces in “disturbed areas,” allowing them to conduct operations, arrest without a warrant, and use force if necessary. Over the years, there have been numerous protests and demands for the withdrawal of AFSPA due to alleged human rights violations and excessive use of force by security personnel.
In recent years, incremental reductions have been made in the areas designated as “disturbed” under the AFSPA. In April 2022, AFSPA was withdrawn from 15 police stations in six districts, and in April 2023, it was removed from another four police stations, bringing the total to 19 police stations in the Meitei-dominated valley. However, the recent wave of violence in Jiribam led to the reimposition of AFSPA in these areas.
The Manipur government’s latest request to withdraw AFSPA is part of a broader effort to address public concerns and improve the security situation in the state. The government has emphasized the need for structural reforms and continued prudent economic policies to ensure sustainable growth and stability.