Move follows recent extension of the law in other parts of the Northeast
New Delhi, April 1 – The Central government has imposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Meluri district of Nagaland for a period of six months starting April 1, 2025, following its recent decision to extend the controversial law in several other areas of the Northeast.The Union Home Ministry issued a notification stating that Meluri, a newly created district carved out of Phek district in November 2024, has now been declared a ‘disturbed area’ under Section 3 of the AFSPA, 1958. This notification modifies an earlier order dated March 30, 2025, which had designated Phek and seven other districts in Nagaland as disturbed areas.
“In partial modification of notification number S.O. 1536(E) dated 30th March, 2025, the district Meluri is also declared as ‘disturbed area’ under section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (28 of 1958) for a period of 6 months with effect from 1st April, 2025 unless withdrawn earlier,” the notification read.
AFSPA Extension Across the Northeast
The latest move comes just two days after the Centre extended AFSPA for another six months in:- Entire Manipur (excluding 13 police station jurisdictions)
- Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts of Arunachal Pradesh
- Three police station areas in Namsai district, Arunachal Pradesh
AFSPA: Controversy and Power
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, often criticised for its alleged misuse and called draconian by activists, provides armed forces in disturbed areas with sweeping powers. These include:- Search and arrest without warrant
- Use of force or open fire
- Legal immunity for actions taken under the Act, unless sanctioned by the Centre