Kohima: The Government of India has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, in eight districts and 21 police stations across five districts of Nagaland, declaring them as ‘disturbed area’ for a period of six months effective from April 1.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) made the announcement through a notification on Wednesday.
The decision follows a review of the law-and-order situation in the state of Nagaland by the Centre.
The AFSPA has been extended for the next six months in Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, and Peren districts of Nagaland.
Additionally, it has been extended in the areas falling within the jurisdiction of 21 police stations spread across Zunheboto, Mokokchung, Kohima, Wokha, and Longleng districts.
The 21 police stations include Khuzama, Kohima North, Kohima South, Zubza, and Kezocha in Kohima district; Mangkolemba, Mokokchung-I, Longtho, Tuli, Longchem, and Anaki ‘C’ in Mokokchung district; Yanglok in Longleng district; Bhandari, Champang, and Ralan in Wokha district; and Ghatashi, Pughoboto, Satakha, Suruhuto, Zunheboto, and Aghunato in Zunheboto district.
These areas gave been tagged as “disturbed area” under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, for a period of six months with effect from April 1, 2024, unless withdrawn earlier.”
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
Previously, the Central Government had declared eight districts and 21 Police Stations in five other districts of Nagaland as ‘disturbed areas’ for a period of six months effective from October 1, 2023. AFSPA was partially removed in Nagaland in 2022.
The AFSPA grants special powers to security forces, including the authority to arrest individuals without a warrant and enter or search premises without a warrant, among other actions.
Also Read | Why NSCN-IM wants ‘Naga Nation’ to fast on April 7