Imphal, Nov 20 (PTI): The Manipur government has decided to extend the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1958 in the State for one more year from December 1.
The decision to extend the AFPSA was taken last evening during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, sources said today. As per provisions of the Act, the Governor would issue an official gazette notification declaring the State as 'disturbed area' under which the AFSPA could be extended.
Under its provisions, power is given to even a non-commissioned Army person to shoot any suspect, even to death, if the latter acts in contravention of law.
Sources said seven Assembly segments in and around Imphal municipal areas would not come under the purview of the the disturbed area status because the Act had been withdrawn from these assembly constituencies in 2004 following an agitation.
