In a decisive move to address the deteriorating security situation in Manipur, the Indian government has reimposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in six police station areas of the state’s valley region, including the violence-hit district of Jiribam. This decision follows ongoing ethnic violence in the state and was announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday.

Reason Behind the AFSPA Reinstatement

The decision to reapply AFSPA was made following a series of violent incidents, including a deadly encounter between insurgents and security forces on November 11, 2024. In this clash, 11 insurgents were killed in Jiribam, exacerbating tensions in the area. The MHA cited the "volatile" nature of the situation, with insurgent groups actively participating in violent activities. As a result, the areas encompassing six police stations in Imphal West, Imphal East, Jiribam, Bishnupur, and Kangpokpi districts have been declared "disturbed" under AFSPA.

AFSPA and Its Implications

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act grants extraordinary powers to the military and paramilitary forces in areas declared disturbed, allowing them to search, arrest, and use force without a warrant. Initially withdrawn in April 2022 due to improvements in security conditions, AFSPA had been revoked for specific areas in Manipur. However, with the escalation of violence, particularly following attacks on security forces by insurgent groups, the government has decided to reinstate the law.

Recent Developments and Military Reinforcements

The situation in the region has worsened since November 7, 2024, with escalating violence leaving at least 14 dead, including both men and women. The insurgents have shown heightened aggression, as evidenced by the attack on the Borobekra police station and a nearby CRPF camp, where sophisticated firearms were seized after a violent firefight. To further bolster security, the Ministry of Home Affairs has also deployed 20 additional Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies to Manipur, including units from the CRPF and Border Security Force (BSF).

Impact of AFSPA and Public Concerns

The reintroduction of AFSPA has raised concerns among human rights groups, who argue that such measures infringe upon civil liberties and increase the risk of abuse by security forces. Critics also believe that it could exacerbate tensions in a region already fraught with political and ethnic divisions. Despite these concerns, the government defends the move as necessary to ensure public safety and curb insurgent activities.

Search Operations and Continued Violence

The situation remains tense, with ongoing search operations by security forces in the affected areas. These efforts aim to contain the violence and prevent further attacks. As the security forces conduct these operations, there are expectations that AFSPA will continue to be enforced until the end of March 2025, with periodic reviews based on the evolving security landscape.

The reimposition of AFSPA in Manipur highlights the state’s ongoing struggle with insurgency and ethnic violence. While the law offers enhanced security measures for the region, it also invites scrutiny over its broader implications on civil rights and political freedoms. As Manipur grapples with these challenges, the government's priority remains to restore order and prevent further loss of life, while balancing security with the protection of individual rights.