The whole state of Nagaland, on Wednesday, June 30, was declared a 'disturbed area' for a period of six months by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA). MoHA in it's notification also said that Nagaland is in a dangerous condition and use of armed forces in aid of the civil power is compulsory.
The Ministry of Home Affairs in an order said, “Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (No. 28 of 1958) the Central Government hereby declares that whole of the said State of Nagaland to be “disturbed area” for a period of six months with effect from 30th June, 2021, for the purpose of said Act".
The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) grants special powers to the Indian armed forces in 'disturbed areas.' According to The Disturbed Areas (Special Courts) Act, 1976, once declared 'disturbed', the area has to maintain the status quo for a minimum of three months.