Under which section of AFSPA can an area be declared a ‘disturbed area’?

The Central Government has extended AFSPA for six months—from October 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027—in certain areas of Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, while excluding 13 police station areas across five districts of Manipur from its ambit. Under Section 3 of AFSPA, an area is declared a ‘disturbed area,’ and Section 4 grants special powers to the armed forces, making the Act significant in the context of internal security and human rights.