BALANCING NATIONAL SECURITY AND CIVIL LIBERTIES: RETHINKING AFSPA IN THE CONTEXT OF COUNTERTERRORISM IN MANIPUR
AUTHORS – HIJAM ROSHAN SINGH1 & DR. S. JAMES2
1 PHD RESEARCH SCHOLAR, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE & STRATEGIC STUDIES, MANIPUR INTRANATIONAL UNIVERSITY, IMPHAL, MANIPUR-795140, INDIA
2 PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE & STRATEGIC STUDIES, MANIPUR INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, IMPHAL, MANIPUR-795140, INDIA
BEST CITATION – HIJAM ROSHAN SINGH & DR. S. JAMES, BALANCING NATIONAL SECURITY AND CIVIL LIBERTIES: RETHINKING AFSPA IN THE CONTEXT OF COUNTERTERRORISM IN MANIPUR, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (1) OF 2025, PG. 844-848, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
ABSTRACT
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) has been a subject of intense debate in India, particularly in conflict-prone regions like Manipur. While it grants extraordinary powers to security forces to combat insurgency, it has also raised concerns about human rights violations and the erosion of civil liberties. This paper critically examines AFSPA in the context of counterterrorism efforts in Manipur, analyzing its effectiveness, legal and ethical dimensions, and its impact on the civilian population. It explores the balance between national security imperatives and fundamental rights, drawing on case studies, legal frameworks, and policy perspectives. The study advocates for a nuanced approach that ensures both security and justice, proposing reforms that align counterterrorism strategies with democratic principles and human rights where it has been implemented to combat insurgency and maintain national security. This abstract explores the delicate balance between ensuring national security and protecting civil liberties within the context of AFSPA and counterterrorism efforts in Manipur. It examines the historical background of AFSPA, its implications on human rights, and the local populace’s grievances against its enforcement. Additionally, the abstract considers alternative approaches to counterterrorism that uphold democratic values and human rights while effectively addressing security concerns. By analyzing case studies and alternative frameworks, this discourse advocates for a rethinking of AFSPA to foster a more just and secure environment in Manipur, highlighting the need for policies that respect the dignity of individuals while ensuring the safety of the state. 1
Keywords: AFSPA, National Security, Civil Liberties, Counterterrorism, Human Rights.