AFSPA Extended in Arunachal and Nagaland: What This Means for India's 'Disturbed Areas' in 2024
In a significant decision, the Indian government has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for six months in specific regions of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. This extension applies to three districts of Arunachal Pradesh and certain areas within Namsai district, as well as eight districts of Nagaland and parts of five additional districts.
The official notice, issued on Wednesday, declared these regions as "Disturbed Areas" under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act of 1958. This extension is set to take effect from October 1, 2024, and will last for a period of six months.
AFSPA and Its Significance
AFSPA is a law enacted in 1958, granting special powers to the Indian Armed Forces to operate in areas classified as "disturbed." Under this act, security forces have the authority to conduct operations, arrest individuals without warrants, and use force in conflict zones where insurgency or unrest is prevalent. This law is generally invoked in regions experiencing internal disturbances or where militant activities are a threat to national security and civilian life.
The government routinely reviews areas where AFSPA is imposed, adjusting its presence based on security assessments and the ongoing situation on the ground. The classification of "disturbed areas" enables the continuation of military and security operations aimed at restoring law and order in troubled regions.
Why AFSPA Was Extended in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland
Both Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland have experienced prolonged periods of insurgency and conflict. Insurgent groups in these regions have often engaged in activities that threaten peace and security, leading the government to rely on AFSPA to manage the situation.
In Arunachal Pradesh, the extension applies to three districts and certain parts of Namsai district, indicating ongoing concerns about insurgent activities in these regions. In Nagaland, eight districts and portions of five others have been marked for AFSPA continuation. The government's decision suggests that these areas remain susceptible to insurgency and potential threats from militant groups, despite efforts to bring the situation under control.
The extension is viewed as necessary by the government to maintain order and safeguard both civilians and security personnel in these sensitive regions. Security assessments by law enforcement and intelligence agencies likely played a key role in determining that these areas still require special measures to address underlying issues of violence and unrest.
Implications of the AFSPA Extension
The extension of AFSPA in parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland has implications for both security forces and the local population. While the law gives the military extensive powers, it has also been the subject of controversy, particularly regarding allegations of human rights abuses. Critics argue that the law leads to the suppression of civil liberties and contributes to tensions between security forces and local communities.
However, the government maintains that AFSPA is essential for the safety and security of the region, especially in areas where insurgent activities are prevalent. The law allows the military to act swiftly and decisively to neutralize threats and ensure that peace is restored in volatile regions.
The government's decision to extend AFSPA in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland highlights the ongoing challenges in managing internal security in certain parts of the northeastern region. While AFSPA remains a contentious issue, its extension underscores the government's commitment to addressing insurgent threats and maintaining stability in these disturbed areas. The next six months will be critical in assessing whether these regions can move toward lasting peace and security, allowing for a potential review of AFSPA's presence in the future.
