Defence Minister Rajnath Singh while addressing the “National Security Conclave” at the University of Jammu said that a time will come when Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will be removed from J&K.
In his address, he touched upon various aspects of national security including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Article 370 abrogation and the developmental projects in the border areas. He also mentioned the Pulwama and Uri Attacks. He spoke about self-reliance in defence manufacturing in light of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The National Security Conclave held in J&K was attended by about 1,500 people from different fields. It included defence experts and invited retired Army personnel.
Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA)
The first instance of AFSPA came into the picture during the British era to quell the protests during the Quit India Movement when it was issued by way of ordinances. Later the ordinances were replaced by an Act in 1958. The law first came into effect in 1958 to deal with the uprising in the Naga.
AFSPA gives some extraordinary powers to the armed forces and the central armed police force such as the power to shoot to kill, to arrest and search any premises without a search warrant. Therefore there have always been controversies surrounding this Act. There are claims of human rights violations in exercising the powers under this AFSPA. It has become a symbol of oppression in the area it’s being enacted.
Time and again there have been demands for the removal of the Act by the political parties belonging to these regions. Leaders have always accused the military of misusing the AFSPA.
Defence Minister, in the Conclave, mentioned that we have managed to control the problem of insurgency and extremism in the North-East and AFSPA has been revoked from a major part of the North-East. The Minister said that he waits for the day when there will be permanent peace in J&K and we will be able to revoke the AFSPA from there as well.
He also said that he cannot tell the timing but the democratic process will start soon in J&K. He said that J&K has suffered a lot due to terrorism and for a very long time. He pointed out that strict actions have been taken against the network of terrorism in the territory which has weakened the network to a great extent.
Mentioning the Prime Minister’s recent visit to the US, Singh says, “Today most of the countries are united against terrorism”. He said that India and US have agreed that there should be concerted actions against the UN-listed organisations.
Warning to Pakistan
Defence Minister warning Pakistan said if the need arises, India can launch strike across the border as well. He added that India is not what it used to be, it is becoming stronger day by day.
He described National Security as the top-most priority of the country and is guided by four directive principles and that the government is committed to protecting the unity, sovereignty and integrity of the country.
