Govt Extends AFSPA in Manipur for Six Months As Violence Continues
New Delhi: The Union government on Friday (September 25) extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Manipur for another six months, effective October 1, 2026. The Gazette notification of the decision cited the prevailing law and order situation in the state, reports PTI.
Manipur has been caught up in ethnic strife since 2023, when violence erupted in May 2023 between the Kuki and Meitei residents of the state. Around 43,000 people displaced in the violence continue to live in relief camps while several violent incidents have occurred over the last three years. There have been reports of over 700 deaths of residents of these camps as well.
The Manipur government stated in the state assembly in September 2026 that 306 people had been killed and 49 were still missing after the violence that contiued from May 2023 to August 31, 2026.
In recent months, a Naga-Kuki faultline has been emerging in the hill districts of the state. Human Rights Watch has reported that at least seven people were killed in clashes in late August this year, bringing deaths in such incidents to 34 since February. Armed groups have been reported as involved in shootings, hostage-taking, arson and highway blockades in parts of Manipur through 2026.
On September 24, suspected Kuki National Army-Burma militants reportedly attacked a village in Kamjong district near the Myanmar border, killing four Tangkhul Naga civilians, the Indian Express reported, citing police sources.
The latest AFSPA extension covers Manipur except areas under 13 police stations in five districts: Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching. The excluded police station areas are Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Patsoi, Wangoi, Porompat, Heingang, Irilbung, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Nambol and Kakching.
The notification was issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on September 24, under Section 3 of the AFSPA, 1958. The declaration will remain effective until March 2027.
Meanwhile on September 24, the proscribed Revolutionary People’s Front reiterated its demand for what it refers to as an independent Manipur, alleging the government of India has adopted military measures to suppress the armed movement in the state, reported Imphal Times.
Meanwhile, protests were held in Manipur by the opposition Congress party on the issue of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Friday.
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