The Union Government has announced its objective of withdrawing the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from most parts of Northeast India by next year, noting that nearly 80% of the region is already free from the Act.
Under Section 3 of AFSPA, 1958, an area may be declared a “disturbed area” by the Central Government, Governor or Union Territory Administrator if the security situation is considered dangerous and requires the deployment of armed forces in aid of civil administration.
As of 2026, AFSPA remains applicable only in selected pockets of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, based on periodic security assessments.
APSC Relevance: Internal security, Northeast India and special security legislation.
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