AFSPA imposed in six new areas of violence-hit Manipur
PTC News Desk: The Centre has reimposed a law to protect security officers in hostile areas in several additional locations in Manipur, which has been rocked by ethnic violence.
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act has been reinstated in six police station areas, including Jiribam, where ten suspected Kuki militants were killed in a clash with security forces on Monday and three women and three children from the Meitei community were kidnapped by suspected insurgents.
The AFSPA allows the military vast power to operate freely wherever labelled a "disturbed area"; no military personnel in an area where the AFSPA is in effect can be prosecuted unless the Centre grants permission.
The reimposition of AFSPA will allow security forces to combat armed groups that have not signed a cease-fire agreement with the government.
Before this, Manipur's 19 police station areas were exempt from AFSPA coverage since they were considered peaceful. The recent increase in violence, however, has brought the contentious law back to at least six police station locations.
Six new regions where security personnel can operate under AFSPA immunity are Sekmai and Lamsang in Imphal West district, Lamlai in Imphal East district, Jiribam in Jiribam district, Leimakhong in Kangpokpi, and Moirang in Bishnupur.
- With inputs from agencies
