New Delhi: The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, or AFSPA, has been extended by another six months, starting October 1, in parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.A notification to this effect was issued by the Union home ministry on Tuesday, September 26, in the exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.The notification said AFSPA has been extended in whole of eight districts and in the areas of 21 police stations in five other districts of Nagaland for another six months. The law will be applicable across the eight districts of Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, and Peren. It has been extended in the jurisdiction of Khuzama, Kohima North, Kohima South, Zubza and Kezocha police stations in Kohima district; Mangkolemba, Mokokchung-I, Longtho, Tuli, Longchem and Anaki ‘C’ police stations in Mokokchung district; Yanglok police station in Longleng district; Bhandari, Champang, and Ralan police stations in Wokha district; and Ghatashi, Pughoboto, Satakha, Suruhuto, Zunheboto, and Aghunato police stations in Zunheboto district.In the case of Arunachal Pradesh, it has been extended in Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts and in the areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai, Mahadevpur, and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district.The controversial law is extended from time to time across areas and districts, which the government deems as “disturbed areas”. The current notification is in succession to the previous one issued on March 24 this year.The controversy over the law stems from the sweeping powers it gives armed forces personnel, operating in disturbed areas, to search, arrest, and to open fire if they deem it necessary for “the maintenance of public order”. The law even provides powers to security personnel to kill anyone in violation of the law without any fear of prosecution and legal suits. Searches and arrests can be made without any warrants.