Manipur: Centre reimposes AFSPA in six regions amid fresh violence

The six areas include Jiribam where violence broke out recently.

In a notification, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday imposed AFSPA declaring the areas under Sekmai and Lamsang police stations, Lamlai, Jiribam, Leimakhong, Moirang as "disturbed areas".

"The areas falling under the jurisdiction of…. six police stations in Manipur are declared as ‘disturbed area’. The Central Government is of the opinion that imposition of AFSPA,1958 in the… 6 Police Stations of 5 districts in Manipur is warranted to carry out well-coordinated operations by the security forces to maintain the security situation and contain the activities of insurgent groups in these areas," the notification said as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Between 2022 and 2023, the MHA had lifted AFSPA from all these regions citing "improved law and order situation".

Days ago, the armed militants had attacked the CRPF post at Jakuradhor and Borobekra Police Station in Jiribam. One CRPF constable, named Sanjeev Kumar, was injured in the attack.

Prior to that, two elderly persons were found dead at a house which was set on fire by the militants in Jiribam.

In a counter to the militants' firing, the security forces had launched an encounter that killed 11 suspected Kuki militants.