Consider the following statements regarding the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958: 1. The Act enables certain special powers to be conferred upon members of the armed forces in disturbed areas in the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. 2. A “disturbed area” can be notified only by the Central Government under the Official Gazette. 3. Under the Act, members of the armed forces are empowered to use force, even to the extent of causing death, for maintaining public order in disturbed areas. How many of the above statements are correct?

The correct answer is option 2 . In News Following renewed ethnic violence, AFSPA was reimposed in parts of Manipur in 2024. The Army has proposed expanding its jurisdiction to additional police station areas for operational effectiveness. Key Points The AFSPA applies to disturbed areas in the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura, as per the Act. Hence, Statement 1 is correct. A “disturbed area” can be notified either by the Central Government or the Governor of a State, not exclusively by the Centre. Hence, Statement 2 is incorrect. Armed forces personnel are empowered under the Act to use force, including causing death, after due warning, for maintaining public order in disturbed areas. Hence, Statement 3 is correct. Additional Information AFSPA grants wide-ranging powers including search without warrant, arrest without warrant, and protection from legal action without prior central approval. Though controversial, it is seen by security agencies as essential in insurgency-prone regions. The “disturbed area” status is subject to periodic review and extension.