Newmai News Network Imphal | December 6 The ‘disturbed area’ status has been extended for one more year till December next year in Manipur. According to a statement from the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), the disturbed area status of the state has been extended for one more year under section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958. Seven assembly segments under the Imphal municipal area will not be brought under the disturbed area status. The official statement added that the status has been extended from December 1 till December next year. The Act was lifted from Wangkehei, Thangmeiband, Yaiskul, Sagolband, Uripok, Keishamthong and Singjamei in the Imphal municipal area in 2012. As per the announcement, AFSPA will be imposed in the entire state except the seven assembly segments. The Act which was enforced in the insurgent-hit state more than two decades ago has been extended in the state annually. It has been a long practice that the government has been extending the disturbed area status in Manipur based on reports of law and order situation submitted by various security agencies. Enforcement of AFSPA aims to launch anti-insurgency operations to flush out insurgents. Anti-AFSPA crusader Irom Chanu Sharmila fought against the Act through a marathon hunger strike for nearly 16 years demanding repeal of the Act. She ended her fast last August, but she has pledged to continue her movement by entering electoral politics. Besides, various rights bodies in the state have been demanding repeal of the Act blaming for violating human rights and killing innocent people.
