Whereas the Central Government in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958

## Report on Notification S.O. 4621(E) Regarding Disturbed Areas in Nagaland **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes Notification S.O. 4621(E) issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, dated September 30, 2022. This notification amends the declaration of certain areas within the state of Nagaland as "disturbed areas" under Section 3 of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958. The amendment extends the "disturbed area" status for a further six months, effective from October 1, 2022, to specified districts and police station jurisdictions within Nagaland. The key finding is the continuation of AFSPA in these areas due to an ongoing review of the law and order situation. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of Notification S.O. 4621(E), published in The Gazette of India on September 30, 2022. The analysis is based solely on the information contained within the provided policy text. The purpose of this report is to inform the industry on the changes. **3. Policy Overview:** * This notification is an **amendment** to the original notification S.O. 1552(E) dated 01.04.2022, which declared certain areas of Nagaland as disturbed areas for six months. * **Core Objective:** The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to maintain law and order in Nagaland by continuing the designation of certain areas as "disturbed" under the AFSPA, enabling the deployment of armed forces with special powers. **4. Background and Rationale:** This notification amends the original policy, extending it for another six months. The reason for this specific amendment appears to be a continuation of concerns regarding the law and order situation in Nagaland. The text explicitly mentions that "a further review of the law and order situation in the state of Nagaland has been undertaken." This suggests that the situation has not improved sufficiently to warrant a complete withdrawal of the "disturbed area" designation. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification introduces changes specifically to the areas designated as "disturbed areas." * **What Specific Part is Being Changed:** The geographical area and timeline designation of "disturbed areas" in Nagaland outlined in S.O. 1552(E) is being modified. * **What the New Rule/Provision Is:** The districts of Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, Peren and Zunheboto and specific police station jurisdictions in Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng, and Wokha districts are now declared as disturbed areas for a period of six months with effect from 01.10.2022. The specific police stations are: * Khuzama, Kohima North, Kohima South, Zubza and Kezocha police stations in Kohima District * Mangkolemba, MokokchungI, Longtho, Tuli, Longchem and Anaki C police stations in Mokokchung District * Yanglok police station in Longleng District * Bhandari, Champang, Ralan and Sungro police stations in Wokha District * **Effect of This Change:** The effect is the continuation of AFSPA powers for security forces operating in the specified districts and police station areas, allowing them to take actions under the act to maintain law and order. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this amendment include: * Residents of the specified districts and police station areas in Nagaland. * Security forces operating in these areas. * Local administration and law enforcement agencies. * Businesses and organizations operating in these areas as they need to adjust to the change in local control policies. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Home Affairs is the responsible agency. * **Timelines:** The amendment is effective for six months, starting from October 1, 2022, unless withdrawn earlier. * The implementation likely involves the deployment and operational guidelines for armed forces within the newly declared "disturbed areas" according to AFSPA provisions. This process has likely been established in the prior notification S.O. 1552(E). **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of these changes is the maintenance or improvement of law and order in the specified areas of Nagaland. The continuation of AFSPA provisions aims to provide security forces with the necessary powers to address any security threats or disturbances. The potential impact includes continued restrictions on civilian activities, increased security presence, and potential human rights concerns depending on the implementation and adherence to guidelines. Businesses in the regions may need to adjust for potential disruptions in normal operations. **9. Conclusion:** Notification S.O. 4621(E) extends the "disturbed area" designation under AFSPA for specific districts and police station jurisdictions within Nagaland for another six months. This amendment reflects ongoing concerns regarding law and order in the region and the government's continued reliance on AFSPA to address these concerns. The implications of this extension will primarily affect the residents and businesses within the designated areas, as well as the security forces tasked with maintaining order.

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