Imphal/IBNS/UNI: The Manipur government has extended the Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 for another six months in Manipur.

The extension came into force in Manipur on April 1 except for the areas falling under the Jurisdiction of 19 Police Stations. The said area is declared as a "Disturbed Area” for six months under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (Act No.28 of 1958) as Amended from time to time.

Devesh Deval, Commissioner (Home), Government of Manipur said in an order that the Governor of Manipur thinks that the violent activities of various extremist or insurgent groups warrant the use of armed forces in aid of civil administration in the entire state of Manipur except the areas falling under the Jurisdiction of 19 Police Stations.

The Manipur Government thinks after analyzing the prevailing law and order situation in the state that it is not expedient to have a detailed assessment on the ground as the Sister Security Agencies are preoccupied with the maintenance of law and order, the order added.

It will be premature to arrive at any conclusion or decision on such a sensitive matter without detailed assessment; thereby not appropriate to review the "Disturbed area status of the State" at the moment, it stated.

"The issue of declaration of ‘Disturbed area' status is very sensitive and may likely attract public criticism and resistance if proper care is not taken. Keeping in view of above and the overall law and order situation in the State and the capability of the State machineries, the State Government has decided to maintain status quo on the present disturbed area status in the State of Manipur excluding the areas falling under the 19 police stations for a period of six months," the order read.

The excluded are the areas covered by Imphal , Lamphel , City , Singjamei , Sekmal , Lamsang , Patsoi ,Wangoi, Porompat , Heingang , Lamlai, Leimakhong , Thoubal , Bishnupur , Nambol , Moirang, Kakching and Jiribam.

The entire state was under AFSPA but after the alleged rape and murder of Thangjam Manorama by personnel of 17 Assam Rifles, protests started and the government decided to withdraw AFSPA from the Greater Imphal area covering seven Assembly constituencies in 2001.

Subsequently, as the situation improved more areas were withdrawn from the purview of the Act.

Under AFSPA all army personnel are empowered to kill anybody on mere suspicion, arrest, without warrant, any person, enter and search without warrant any premises.

No prosecution, suit, or other legal proceeding shall be instituted, except with the previous sanction of the central government against any army personnel.