AFSPA or the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act came into force in the context of increasing violence in the Northeastern States decades ago, which the State governments found difficult to control. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Bill was passed by both the Houses of Parliament and it was approved by the President on September 11, 1958. It became known as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958.
The Governor is empowered to declare any area of the State as a ‘disturbed area’. A disturbed area is one that is declared by notification under Section 3 of the AFSPA. An area can be disturbed due to differences or disputes between members of different religious, racial, language or regional groups or castes or communities.
Further Reading:
| Related Links | |
| Women in the Indian Armed Forces | Defence Reforms in India |
| Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) | Daily News Analysis (The Hindu) |
| List of Indian Army Exercises | Internal Security Forces in India |
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