AFSPA extended in Manipur’s hill areas for six months
The order will does not apply to valley areas under the jurisdiction of 19 police stations, including the capital Imphal.
The Manipur government on Wednesday stated that the “disturbed area” status under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act will remain in place in the hill areas of the state for six more months in view of the prevailing law and order situation.
The order, issued by the state government’s home department, clarified that it does not apply to the valley areas under the jurisdiction of 19 police stations, including the capital Imphal.
AFSPA gives the army sweeping executive powers and a degree of immunity for prosecution in civilian courts. In areas declared “disturbed”, it allows armed forces to open fire, even causing death, against any person in contravention of the law or carrying arms and ammunition.
The development comes amid fresh unrest in Manipur after the government said that two Meitei students – Hijam Linthoingambi (17) and Phijam Hemjit (20) – who had gone missing in July have been murdered. They are suspected to have been killed by Kuki militants, according to the Imphal Police.
On Monday, the state government said that the inquiry of the case has been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation. It also urged citizens to exercise restraint and allow the authorities to investigate the killings.
Despite this, thousands of students on Tuesday held protests in Imphal....
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