AFSPA Extended For Six Months In Nagaland

AFSPA extended for six months in Nagaland, Ministry of Home Affairs issued a gazette notification.

In view of the current scenario in Nagaland, the central government has extended the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958, or AFSPA for six more months.

Considering the current situation in the state, it has been described as an important step. So that law and order can run smoothly in the state.

An announcement in this regard has been made through a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

AFSPA will remain in force for six months

It has been said in the notification that in view of the disturbed and serious situation in the entire state, the use of armed forces is necessary.

So that law and order can be run smoothly. For this purpose, in the exercise of the powers conferred under Section 3 of the Armed Forces Act, 1958, the Central Government declares the State of Nagaland as a ‘disturbed area’.

This announcement made by the Center will be applicable for a period of the next six months from December 30, 2021.

Used for the first time under British rule.

The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958 gives certain powers to the armed forces in states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura.

Military forces deployed in Jammu and Kashmir also use AFSPA. AFSPA was first used in 1942 during British rule to suppress the Quit India Movement.

Special powers to armed forces.

Significantly, the AFSPA gives special powers to the armed forces in areas considered to be disturbed. In these areas, an army officer can even give orders to fire if needed.

Also, no warrant is required for any operation or arrest under this Act. There is no provision for any kind of legal process on the person using this act.

Why the turbulent atmosphere in Nagaland?

In Nagaland’s Mon district, 14 people were killed and 11 others were injured in three serial firing incidents.

According to the police, the first incident of firing took place after a suspicious situation had arisen.