Following a comprehensive assessment of internal security and law enforcement conditions across Manipur, the central government has decided to keep the Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 active in the northeastern state for another six months. Under the statutory directive, the entire state, excluding the jurisdictional territories of 13 specific police stations spread across five districts, has been designated as a disturbed area starting from October 1, 2026. This administrative arrangement will remain operational for the full half-year duration unless revoked earlier by an official notification.
Fresh Security Review Prompts Extension Under Section 3
The decision was finalized after central authorities reviewed operational inputs, public safety conditions, and ground realities in coordination with state mechanisms. Exercising the legal authority conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 (Act 28 of 1958), the union administration determined that specialized armed forces presence remains essential to safeguard civil stability and maintain peace. The declaration provides necessary legal backing for military and paramilitary formations operating in sensitive and vulnerable regions of the state.
Continuation of Measures Introduced in April 2026
The new mandate extends the regulatory framework originally established through notification S.O. 1515(E) dated March 23, 2026, which had enforced the disturbed area classification from April 1, 2026, for a six-month period while keeping the exact same 13 police station limits exempt. As that earlier six-month timeframe approached its expiration at the close of September 2026, administrative authorities reviewed recent law and order parameters and concluded that security stability required an extension of the existing boundaries from October 1, 2026.
The 13 Exempt Police Station Jurisdictions Listed
The 13 police station jurisdictions spared from the rigorous enforcement of AFSPA belong entirely to five valley-based districts, where conventional policing infrastructure remains the primary channel for routine civil administration.
- Imphal West District: Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Patsoi, and Wangoi police stations.
- Imphal East District: Porompat, Heingang, and Irilbung police stations.
- Thoubal District: Thoubal police station.
- Bishnupur District: Bishnupur and Nambol police stations.
- Kakching District: Kakching police station.
By retaining these 13 civil police stations outside the disturbed zone, security forces maintain their targeted focus on sensitive rural, perimeter, and outlying sectors while allowing standard municipal governance in core population centers.
