Manipur: MHA declares most of state ‘disturbed area’ under AFSPA for 6 months from October 1: What does this mean? | Today’s news

The Home Ministry on Friday extended the classification of most of Manipur as “disturbed areas” under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) 1958, keeping 13 police station areas out of its purview.

The notice will take effect on October 1 and will remain in effect for six months unless revoked by the center before the deadline.

What is a “disturbed area”?

According to Section 3 of AFSPA 1958, a “disturbed area” is an area officially declared by notification in the Official Gazette where the situation is so disturbed or dangerous that the use of armed forces is considered necessary to assist civil administration.

The law allows for such a declaration if there is serious unrest, violence or conflict involving different religious, racial, linguistic, regional, caste or community groups.

Under the AFSPA, armed forces personnel in a declared “disturbed area” may:

Use the Force: After proper warning, use force, including deadly force, against people who violate orders prohibiting certain assemblies or possession of weapons/explosives.

Destroy the weaponized devices: Destroy weapons dumps, fortified positions, shelters or structures used for armed attacks, training or as shelters.

Arrest without a warrant: To arrest without warrant any person who has committed or is reasonably suspected of having committed or is about to commit a cognizable offence.

Search without permission: Enter and search premises without a warrant for the purpose of arresting, rescuing a person believed to be wrongfully imprisoned, or recovering suspected stolen property, weapons, ammunition, or explosives.

(This is a developing story. More to come)