The Armed Forces Special Powers Act commonly known as AFSPA came in to force decades ago in the context of increasing violence in the North Eastern states. Passed in 1958 for North East and in 1990 for Jammu and Kashmir, the law gives armed forces necessary powers to control disturbed areas which are designated by the government.
AFSPA gained international attention after Manipur activist Irom Sharmila decided to fast to protest against the Act, which lasted for 16 years.
