AFSPA extended in Nagaland for another six months

New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) has been extended for six more months in Nagaland, with the Home Ministry declaring the entire state "disturbed area".

The controversial act implemented with effect from December 30 and will be in force till June end.

"Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (No. 28 of 1958), the central government hereby declares that whole of the said state to be a 'disturbed area' for a period of six months with effect from 30th December, 2018, for the purpose of that Act," a Home Ministry notification said.

The move is stated by Ministry officials as a result of ongoing killings, loot and extortion in various parts of Nagaland.

There have been demands from various northeast organisations for repealing AFSPA, which, they say, gives "sweeping powers" to security forces.

AFSPA empowers security forces to conduct operations anywhere and arrest anyone without any prior notice.

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