New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the application of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in parts of Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh for a further six-month period beginning October 1, 2026. The notifications state that the declarations will remain in force unless withdrawn earlier.
In Nagaland, nine districts have been classified as “disturbed areas”. These include Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, Peren and Meluri. In addition, specified areas falling under 21 police stations across five other districts have also been brought under the notification.
The areas covered include police station jurisdictions in Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng, Wokha and Zunheboto districts. The latest notification follows a review of the law-and-order situation in Nagaland by the Central Government.
In Manipur, the MHA has continued the “disturbed area” declaration across the state, with an exception for areas falling under 13 specified police stations. The extension will also take effect from October 1 and remain valid for six months unless withdrawn earlier.
The AFSPA allows the Central Government to declare an area as a “disturbed area” under Section 3 when it considers the prevailing situation to be sufficiently disturbed or dangerous to require the use of armed forces.
The Centre has also extended the AFSPA-related “disturbed area” declaration in Arunachal Pradesh. Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts, along with specified areas in Namsai district, will remain covered by the notification for six months from October 1, 2026.
The latest extensions come following the Central Government's review of the law-and-order situation in the respective states.
