Imphal, Sept. 26 -- The Ministry of Home Affairs announced a six-month extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in designated regions of Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, effective October 1.

Officials stated that the decision followed a comprehensive review of the security and law-and-order situation in the three northeastern states.

The extension coincides with a broader, progressive reduction of AFSPA's footprint across the Northeast. Union Home Minister Amit Shah previously indicated the government's intent to withdraw the Act from the majority of the region by next year.

However, the Centre has reissued the "disturbed area" status under Section 3 of the Act to maintain operations in specific volatile zone...