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| AFSPA unlikely to be revoked from J&K | | Early Times eXclusive | | Syed Junaid Hashmi
EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, Sept 24: Faced with stiff opposition from both within the government circles and the opposition, Centre is unlikely to revoke Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from four districts of Jammu and Kashmir, case for which is being strongly pleaded by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Sources in defense ministry confirmed to early times that despite union home ministry's strong recommendations for revoking AFSPA from parts of Jammu and Kashmir, centre is finding going tough. They added that defense ministry, intelligence agencies and army have all expressed strong reservations against revoking the act which provides legal cover to the central forces operating in militancy infested and insurgency hit areas of the country including the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sources said that what to talk of revoking the act from certain specific districts of Jammu and Kashmir, even the talk of amending the act to make it humane is finding no takers in the army and the defense ministry. They asserted that even the cabinet committee on security (CCS) is completely divided over the issue.
Sources informed that barring union home ministry, all other members of CCS have opined against revoking or amending the act. They said that union home ministry is strongly backing the case of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and is of the opinion that if the act cannot be revoked, the same should be amended by incorporating provisions which would take away legal immunity being enjoyed by central forces.
However, sources said that it is being opposed by the defense ministry on the grounds that it would demoralize armed forces operating in Jammu and Kashmir. They added that not only demoralize but would be treated as moral victory by separatists and other elements which are preaching secessionism in Kashmir valley on the instructions of their masters living on the other side of line of control in POK and Pakistan.
Sources disclosed that the three service chiefs during their meeting with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh had also pleaded for leaving the AFSPA issue open for debate and allowing army to carry on with the present arrangement. Referring to involvement of Pakistan in turbulences in Kashmir valley, sources said that intelligence agencies have also cautioned against giving such a major concession to the separatists at this time.
Rejecting the talk of AFSPA being revoked or amended in the prevailing circumstances, sources in the defense ministry said that if at all any such concession is granted to Jammu and Kashmir, it would be in a phased manner and that after peace and normalcy returns. "A nation is not expected to budge under the pressure created by those elements who are openly preaching secessionism, advocating religious fundamentalism and acting on the directions of elements based in Pakistan," added the sources.
They disclosed that if at all, AFSPA has to be revoked from parts of Jammu and Kashmir, it would be in a phased manner. Sources said that for that, Manipur is also apparently an inspiration. The northeastern state had in August 2004 repealed AFSPA from 20 square kilometer area in capital Imphal following series of violent protests.
AFSPA was imposed in July 1990 in the Kashmir Valley and in August 2000 in the Jammu region to curb insurgency. Officials here said a significant drop in terrorism over the past few months made them mull revocation of the AFSPA from eight districts. Besides, the state police - the Act does not apply to them - have been dealing with subversion within the parameters of normal laws. |
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