AFSPA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Internal Security)

Context: Recently, the Manipur government declared the entire state a 'disturbed area' under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) for a period of six months due to the prevailing law and order situation.

Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA)

• The Armed Forces Special Powers Ordinance of 1942, originally enacted by the British colonial government on 15 August 1942, aimed to suppress the Quit India Movement.

oAfter Independence, the Ordinance was imposed by the Indian government to deal with the internal security situation that emerged due to the Partition of India.

• Article 355 of the Constitution of India: Confers power to the Central Government to protect every state from internal disturbance.
• Enacted by: Parliament in 1958.
• AFSPA declared by: The Central Government or the Governor of the State or administrator of the Union Territory can declare the whole or part of the State or Union Territory as a disturbed area.
• Effect in select areas: Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh.