Despite widespread demand to repeal the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 from the northeast region, the Manipur government on Monday issued a notification declaring the entire state, except the Imphal city areas, as "disturbed areas" with retrospective effect from December 31 2021. AFSPA Act 1958 shall remain in force in Manipur for one year.
Central forces will be deployed to assist the civil administration under an official order issued by the state home department. The notification said that the Governor has given ex-facto approval to the order. Violence has taken place in Manipur despite claims of normalcy in the law and order situation under the BJP-led government.
Following the killing of 14 civilians by security forces in Nagaland's Oting village last December, the cabinet decided to ask the Center to urge the state to repeal AFSPA. But in the light of the demand to repeal it, the Manipur government has decided to extend it for a year.
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren, who is holding the Home Ministry, has said that he is in close consultation with the Center on the issue.