AFSPA Extended in Nagaland and Arunachal
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) has been extended for an additional six months in select regions of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. The decision follows a review of the law and order situation, with the government opting to maintain the military’s special powers to ensure public safety in these volatile areas. The law, which gives the armed forces the authority to operate with enhanced power in ‘disturbed areas,’ will now remain in effect until April 2025 unless otherwise repealed.
Areas Under AFSPA Extension
In Nagaland, the AFSPA extension applies to eight districts: Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, and Peren. Additionally, 21 police stations in five other districts are also covered under the order. In Arunachal Pradesh, the AFSPA will continue to be enforced in the districts of Tirap, Changlang, and Longding, along with the regions under Namsai, Mahadevpur, and Chowkham police stations in Namsai District, which border Assam. These areas have been declared ‘disturbed’ under the AFSPA mandate and will remain under military oversight for the next six months, starting from October 1, 2024.
Why Extension Was Necessary
The Union Home Ministry, in a statement, highlighted that the decision to extend AFSPA was based on the current security landscape in these northeastern states. With ongoing insurgent activity, border tensions, and the need for heightened military presence, the government believes this special act remains crucial for maintaining order. The extension underlines the continuing volatility and the complex nature of the security challenges in the region, particularly with respect to cross-border threats and armed insurgent groups.
Special Powers Granted to the Armed Forces
Under AFSPA, the armed forces are granted broad powers to maintain public order in ‘disturbed areas.’ These powers include conducting search operations, detaining suspects without a warrant, and using force if necessary. In extreme cases, the forces are permitted to open fire to prevent violence or apprehend insurgents. The act’s stringent measures aim to curb insurgency and maintain law and order, though it has faced criticism for alleged misuse and human rights violations.
Controversies Surrounding AFSPA
Despite being a critical tool for law enforcement in troubled areas, it has sparked widespread debate and controversy over the years. Human rights organizations and civil society groups in Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and other northeastern states have often called for its repeal, citing instances of abuse of power, civilian casualties, and violations of basic human rights. The law is seen by many as draconian and has led to numerous protests across the affected regions.
However, the government maintains that this act is essential for combating insurgency and protecting both civilians and military personnel in regions where militant groups pose a significant threat to peace and stability. The extension signifies the delicate balance the authorities must maintain between ensuring security and addressing the grievances of those affected by the act.
Future of AFSPA in the Northeast
As the government continues to assess the security situation in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, the future of AFSPA remains uncertain. While there have been instances of partial withdrawals of AFSPA in certain areas, the law persists in regions with ongoing insurgencies and volatile security conditions. The Northeast remains a complex geopolitical area, with its unique challenges requiring a combination of military vigilance and political engagement.
Calls for a more humane approach and reforms to the AFSPA framework have intensified over the years, yet the government’s latest extension suggests that a complete withdrawal of the law is not imminent. The next six months will likely see further assessments on the ground as both state and central authorities continue to seek solutions to the region’s security challenges.
The AFSPA Debate Continues
The extension of AFSPA in parts of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh reflects the government’s ongoing concern for the security landscape in the region. As the military continues its operations under the act, the debate surrounding AFSPA’s necessity versus its impact on civilian life remains unresolved. With the northeastern states grappling with insurgency and border-related tensions, AFSPA’s presence underscores the continuing struggle to restore long-lasting peace and stability.
While the future of the act remains uncertain, its impact on the region’s socio-political fabric is undeniable. The government’s next move, after the six-month extension period, will be watched closely by both security experts and human rights advocates, as the debate over AFSPA’s efficacy and morality continues.
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