
The Indian Central Government has opted to prolong the application of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, to eight specific districts and 21 police jurisdictions in Nagaland. Designated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as “disturbed,” these areas will come under the Act’s purview for a six-month period beginning April 1, 2024. The affected districts encompass Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, and Peren.
Moreover, the reach of AFSPA has been expanded to encompass regions falling within the jurisdiction of 21 police stations across five districts of Nagaland. This includes six police stations each in Zunheboto and Mokokchung districts, five in Kohima, three in Wokha, and one station in Longleng district. This extension aligns with the government’s aim to uphold law and order in these “disturbed” areas.
The specific police stations impacted by this extension are 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. This decision follows a review of the law and order situation in Nagaland conducted by the Centre.
The AFSPA confers special powers upon the Indian Armed Forces to uphold public order in “disturbed areas.” It authorizes security personnel, including non-commissioned officers, to use force and, if necessary, to employ lethal force for the “maintenance of public order.” Additionally, it grants soldiers the authority to enter, search, and make arrests without a warrant.