Imphal: Manipur government on Wednesday declared the entire state except the localities covered by 19 police stations as Disturbed Area for another six months from October 1.
The extension is done every six months to enable the implementation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958. that enables it to operate in the state armed with additional powers.
An order issued by the state’s Commissioner (Home) T. Ranjit Singh) said “the Governor of Manipur is of the opinion that the violent activities of various extremist/insurgent groups warrant the use of Armed Forces in aid of civil administration in the entire state” except the localities falling under the jurisdiction of 19 Police Stations
The police station areas exempted from the order are Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Sekmai, Lamsang, Patsoi, Wangoi, Porompat, Heingang, Lamlai, Irilbung, Leimakhong, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Nambol, Moirang, Kakching and Jiribam.
The order said the state government was of the opinion after analysing the prevailing law and order situation that “it is not expedient to have a detailed assessment on the ground” as the security agencies are preoccupied with the maintenance of law and order. “Further, 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 said.
“Further, 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 the above and the overall law and order situation in the State and the capability of the state machinery, the state government has decided to maintain the status quo on the present disturbed area status in Manipur” excluding the areas falling under the 19 police stations “for a period of 6 months with effect from Oct 1”.
“…The Governor of Manipur hereby accords approval to declare the entire state excluding the areas falling under the jurisdiction of the 19 Police Stations” as Disturbed Area.
The entire state was under AFSPA but after the alleged rape and murder of a woman by personnel of 17 Assam Rifles, protests started and the government decided to withdraw AFSPA from the Greater Imphal area covering seven Assembly constituencies. Subsequently, as the situation improved more areas were taken out from the purview of the Act.
