The Centre has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in parts of Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh for another six months, effective October 1.

The extension was made through Gazette notifications issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs this week after a review of the law and order situation. The orders will remain in force through March 31, 2027.

In Manipur, the ‘disturbed area’ tag continues across the state except for areas under 13 police stations in five valley districts, including parts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching.

In Nagaland, the Act will apply in nine districts, including Dimapur, Mon, Kiphire and Phek, along with areas under 21 police stations in five other districts such as Kohima and Mokokchung.

In Arunachal Pradesh, the extension covers Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts, plus parts of Namsai district bordering Assam.

The extension largely maintains the existing coverage and does not expand the disturbed areas. The Act gives security forces special powers in areas declared disturbed.

The move comes as security assessments in the Northeast continue, with Manipur seeing ethnic violence since May 2023.