DIMAPUR —The Union Home ministry on Friday extended the "disturbed area" tag in parts of Nagaland under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958, for six more months with effect from April 1.
The disturbed area status will be applicable in eight districts -- Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, Peren -- and 21 police stations areas falling under five other districts -- Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng, Wokha and Zunheboto, according to the notification.
The controversial law was earlier enforced in nine districts, including Zunheboto, and partially in four other districts — Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng and Wokha – covering 16 police stations, while it was completely lifted in Tuensang, Shamator and Tseminyu districts.
The Centre on Friday updated that besides the eight districts, other areas that fall under the ambit of the AFSPA are: Khuzama, Kohima North, Kohima South, Zubza and Kezocha police stations in Kohima district; Mangkolemba, Mokokchung-I, Longtho, Tuli, Longchem and Anaki 'C' police stations in Mokokchung district; iii) Yanglok police station in Longleng district; iv) Bhandari, Champang and Ralan police stations in Wokha district; and v) Ghatashi, Pughoboto, Satakha, Suruhuto, Zunheboto and Aghunato police stations in Zunheboto district.
It said the decision was taken after reviewing the law and order situation in the state.
In a separate notification, the Centre also announced the extension of the AFSPA in parts of Arunachal Pradesh for six months with effect from April 1.
Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts and areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai and Mahadevpur police stations in Namsai district have been declared "disturbed area" under the AFSPA.
Also read: Centre working towards removing AFSPA; will deal with extortionists sternly, says Modi in Nagaland