SSC
What is the full form of 'AFSPA'?
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Answer: Option D — Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act
Detailed Solution
AFSPA stands for the "Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act", a law that gives special powers to the armed forces to maintain public order in "disturbed areas".
About AFSPA:
It was passed by Parliament in 1958, initially to deal with the Naga insurgency in the North-East. It replaced an ordinance of the same year.
It is based on the "Armed Forces (Special Powers) Ordinance, 1942", issued by the British during the Quit India Movement.
A separate AFSPA for Jammu and Kashmir was enacted in 1990. (One for Punjab and Chandigarh, passed in 1983, was later withdrawn.)
Key provisions:
Section 3: the Central Government, or the Governor of a state, can declare a whole or part of a state as a "disturbed area".
In disturbed areas, officers of the armed forces can, after giving warning, open fire even to the extent of causing death against people violating laws or carrying weapons; arrest people without a warrant; and enter and search premises without a warrant.
No legal action can be taken against armed forces personnel for actions under the Act without the prior sanction of the Central Government.
Debate:
Supporters say the armed forces need these powers to fight insurgency and terrorism.
Critics say it has led to human rights violations. Irom Sharmila of Manipur fasted for 16 years (2000-2016) demanding its repeal.
The Jeevan Reddy Committee (2004-05) recommended its repeal.
In "Naga People's Movement of Human Rights vs Union of India" (1998), the Supreme Court upheld the law but laid down safeguards.
Present status:
- AFSPA was removed from Tripura (2015), Meghalaya (2018) and many districts of Assam, Nagaland and Manipur since 2022.
- It continues in parts of Assam, Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, and in Jammu and Kashmir.
Why not the other options?
- ✗"Armed Forces Security and Protection Act" is not the correct expansion.
- ✗"Army and Forces Special Protection Act" is not the correct expansion.
- ✗"Armed Forces Special Patrolling Act" is not the correct expansion.
Quick tip
Remember: AFSPA = Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (disturbed areas under Section 3; J&K version 1990; Irom Sharmila's fast 2000-2016; Jeevan Reddy Committee recommended repeal).
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Abbreviations & Full Forms — Preparation
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This topic covers the full forms of common abbreviations used in government, banking, science, technology, defence, international relations and everyday life, such as ISRO, NABARD, SEBI, GDP, GST and UNICEF. These questions are quick marks if you have revised the most common abbreviations. Group them by field (banking, government bodies, science and technology, international organisations) and pay attention to small words such as 'of', 'for' and 'and', since wrong options often change just one word. Practise the abbreviations and full forms questions below, written in the style of the general awareness sections of exams such as SSC, banking, railways, CUET GAT, MAH CET and CLAT. Each question comes with a detailed explanation that adds related facts, so every question helps you revise more than one point.