Topic: Armed Forces Special Powers Act

Modi govt has reduced areas under AFSPA in Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur, effective 1 April. A look at what this might mean on the ground as well as ongoing security challenges.

Much of the Northeast doesn't need a tough law such as AFSPA. No government will dare repeal it, but it can at least be imposed very selectively.

According to a Ministry of Home Affairs notification Thursday, Tirap, Changlang, Longding and four police stations bordering Assam were declared 'disturbed' areas under AFSPA.

With the Supreme Court directing the CBI to conduct a probe into encounter killings in Manipur, the stage might be set for similar investigations into cases of alleged Army excesses in other regions under AFSPA.  APURVA VISHWANATH