The Central government has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) to Meluri district in Nagaland for six months, starting April 1, 2025. The decision comes just two days after the contentious law was renewed in eight other districts and 21 police station areas across five additional districts of the state.
In an official notification, the Union Home Ministry stated that Meluri district was carved out of Phek district in November 2024. Since Phek was declared a ‘disturbed area’ under AFSPA on March 30, 2025, the newly formed Meluri district has now also been brought under the law.
“Therefore, in partial modification of notification number S.O. 1536 (E) dated 30th March 2025, the district of Meluri is also declared a ‘disturbed area’ under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, for a period of six months with effect from April 1, 2025, unless withdrawn earlier,” the notification read.
AFSPA grants sweeping powers to security forces operating in areas deemed as ‘disturbed,’ including the authority to conduct operations, arrest individuals without warrants, and use force if necessary. The law has long been a subject of controversy, with human rights activists and local organizations calling for its repeal due to allegations of misuse and excesses.
The decision to extend AFSPA to Meluri has reignited debates on security and governance in Nagaland, with political leaders and civil society groups urging a re-evaluation of its necessity. While the government maintains that the extension is required to maintain law and order, critics argue that it hampers peace efforts in the region.
