Why in the News?

The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the northeastern State of Manipur is scheduled to be reviewed by the Manipur government and the Center due to the ongoing ethnic violence. 30^th September marks the end of AFSPA's recurring six-month extension in Manipur.

Note:

• The BRI initially included the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor.
• India chose not to join the BRI, objecting to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
• As a result of India's absence, the BCIM corridor has stalled and been replaced by the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor.

Representational file image.

About AFSPA 1958

• Origin of Act
  • In 1942, in reaction to the Quit India movement, the British enacted the Act in its original form.
  • The Act was originally introduced as an ordinance and subsequently notified as an Act in 1958.
  • Following Independence, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru made the decision to keep the Act in place.
  • Decades ago, as violence in the Northeastern States increased and became harder for state governments to contain, the Act was put into effect.
• Provisions of Act
  • The entire State or Union Territory, or a portion of it, may be declared a disturbed area by the Central Government, the State Governor, or the Administrator of the Union Territory.
  • The Act gives the armed forces exceptional authority and immunity to restore order in disturbed areas.
  • The Act stipulates that arrested persons and the seized property are to be handed over to the police with the least possible delay.
  • Act offers protection of persons acting in good faith in their official capacity.
  • Prosecution is permitted only after the sanction of the Central Government.