- AFSPA extended by the Center for six months in eight districts of Nagaland.
- The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 extended by the Central Government to eight districts of Nagaland and 21 police stations in five districts.
- The Central government declared them as ‘disturbed areas’ for a period of six months with effect from April 1, 2024, unless withdrawn earlier.
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced through a notification that the AFSPA has been extended for another six months in Dimapur, Newland, Chumaukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek and Peren districts of Nagaland.
- Additionally, AFSPA has been extended to areas under the jurisdiction of 21 police stations in five districts of Nagaland.
- This includes six police stations each in Zunheboto and Mokokchung districts, five police stations in Kohima, three police stations in Wokha, and Yanglok police station in Longleng district.
- Earlier, the Center had declared Nagaland as a ‘disturbed area’ for six months from October 1, 2023, in the exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (28 of 1958).
- It included eight districts and 21 Police Stations in five other districts of the state of the state.
Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act
- This is a Parliamentary Act that was introduced in 1958.
- The Act gives the Armed Forces special powers of search and arrest and many others for the maintenance of public order.