The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act(AFSPA) has been extended for six months to address insurgency and maintain order amid ethnic violence.

About AFSPA

• It gives armed forces power to maintain public order in “disturbed areas”.
• Disturbed area can be declared under Section 3 of AFSPA when a part or whole State/ Union Territory (UT) is in such a condition that the use of armed forces in aid of civil power is necessary.
  • The Central Government or Governor of State or administrator of UT can declare the whole or part of State/UT as a disturbed area.
• Special power provided to armed forces 
  • Use of force, including lethal force, against individuals violating the law.
  • Arrest and search without a warrant.
  • Immunity from prosecution without prior Central government approval.

Concerns related to AFSPA

• Human rights violations: Human rights organizations and local groups have criticized AFSPA for alleged excesses by security forces.
• Failure of Governance: AFSPA is often seen as a temporary solution to deeper political failures.
• Public distrust: Lack of transparency in military actions leads to anti-Army sentiment.