AFSPA can’t be removed, says Centre

Reiterating the need for the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), minister of state for defence MM Pallam Raju has said it gives soldiers a security blanket and an upper hand in warfare, which was essential to restore normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

The minister said the presence of the army in the state had helped contain infiltration.

Interacting with reporters here on Tuesday, Raju said the special powers to the armed forces did not mean they would have a free hand, “There is zero tolerance towards the armed forces if the AFSPA is misused or violated.”

Raju said the army was being made a scapegoat in the Valley. “The recent upsurge in J&K is a new phenomenon and has nothing to do with the army there,” he said.

A team of parliamentarians is in the Valley meeting separatist leaders, many of whom have demanded dilution or withdrawal of AFSPA from certain areas where violent incidents have decreased. Despite the army top brass being vocal on their position on the act, the government is yet to take a decision.

Both Air Chief PV Naik and Army Chief General VK Singh have already said the troops operating in disturbed areas like Kashmir needed legal protection, which they get by application of AFSPA.

The junior minister spoke about creating more opportunities and job for the people of J&K. Defence minister AK Antony is all set to lead a 10-member delegation to the US later this week, in which the important pending agreements between both nations are likely to be discussed.