The Ministry of Home Affairs has extended the "Disturbed Areas" status to the jurisdictions of six police stations in Manipur's valley region, following recent incidents of violence. This move comes after months of ethnic conflict in the state, with the MHA citing ongoing sporadic violence in certain areas. While the AFSPA grants armed forces personnel the authority to use force against individuals violating the law, it also requires Central Government approval for prosecution, raising concerns about potential misuse of power.
AFSPA in Manipur: A History of Controversy
Background
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) is a controversial law that grants special powers to the Indian military and paramilitary forces operating in "disturbed areas" of the country. The Act was first enacted in 1958 to quell an insurgency in the Naga Hills region of northeast India. It has since been extended to several other conflict-ridden regions, including Manipur.
Recent Developments
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently extended the "Disturbed Areas" status to the jurisdictions of six police stations in Manipur's valley region. This move comes following recent incidents of violence, including the killing of five security personnel and the extortion of local businesses by armed groups.
Concerns over AFSPA
The AFSPA grants armed forces personnel the authority to use force against individuals violating the law. However, it also requires Central Government approval for prosecution, raising concerns about potential misuse of power.
Human rights groups have documented cases of extrajudicial killings, torture, and arbitrary arrests under the AFSPA. In 2017, a Supreme Court-appointed commission recommended the repeal of the Act, citing its "draconian" provisions.
Top 5 FAQs Related to AFSPA in Manipur
1. What is the justification for extending AFSPA in Manipur? Answer: The MHA cited ongoing sporadic violence in certain areas as the justification for extending the "Disturbed Areas" status.
2. How long has AFSPA been in force in Manipur? Answer: AFSPA has been in force in Manipur since 1980.
3. What are the powers granted to security forces under AFSPA? Answer: Security forces can use force against individuals violating the law without a warrant and arrest individuals without a warrant or charge.
4. What are the concerns about AFSPA? Answer: Concerns include potential misuse of power, extrajudicial killings, torture, and arbitrary arrests.
5. Has AFSPA been successful in suppressing violence in Manipur? Answer: The effectiveness of AFSPA in suppressing violence is debatable. Human rights groups argue that it has alienated the local population and created a culture of fear.
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