Communist Party of India (CPI-Marxist) leader and MLA from Kulgam district of Kashmir has submitted a resolution in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly seeking the withdrawal of the Disturbed Areas Act, which was promulgated by the Governor's Rule in 1990. The resolution submitted by Tarigami reads: "This house recommends the annulment of SRO NO. SW 4 dated 6-7, 1990 and SRO NO 351 dated 10.8.2001 under which districts of Jammu, Kathua , Udhampur, Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Srinagar, Budgam,  Islamabad (Anantnag), Pulwama, Baramulla and Kupwara (as per the schedules of areas notified) have been declared as Disturbed Areas." Blessy Chettiar spoke to the lawmaker to find out the implications of the resolution to Kashmiris, the current security scene and more.  What is your resolution regarding the Disturbed Areas Act? Why have you submitted it?In 1990, the government enacted the Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in a bid to curb insurgency. The areas to be administered under the AFSPA have to be declared 'disturbed areas'. Therefore, two state government SROs or notifications, one in 1990 and the other in 2001, declared the Kashmir Valley and some provinces as disturbed areas. The security forces and government officials have publicly acknowledging that violence has considerably decreased in many 'disturbed areas'. There has definitely been a change in the security situation in the Valley. If that's the case, why is the DAA and AFSPA necessary?  Why were these Acts imposed in the first place? How different is the situation now?When these Acts were imposed militancy, infiltration and terrorist activities were on the rise. But today the security situation is different. Violence in many areas has dropped considerably. The home minister and a Parliamentary delegation visited the Valley and suggested certain measures which reflect the changed situation. Among them was the eight-point package. There was huge participation in the Panchayati elections too last year. The Unified Command reviewed the law and order situation. It's been a year since then and I'm told the J&K government is holding meetings to consider the recommendations. Let's see what happens.  What are the implications of your resolution, if discussed and passed, for the Kashmiri people?The Kashmiris believe the AFSPA and DAA are a way of human exploitation, harassment. The AFSPA gives the Army sweeping powers to fire at persons they perceive as threat to the law and order.  Are you saying the Army indulges in harassment of the common people?No. Not at all. The mere presence of the Army is harassment to the people. Being 'disturbed areas' the Army has powers to conduct operations at their discretion. I believe there is no necessity for the whole of J&K to be declared 'disturbed'. Even Home Minister P Chidambaram recently said that there has been a demand from different sections of society to withdraw AFSPA.  What are the chances of your efforts bearing actual fruit in terms of implementation since the government has the tendency of not taking resolutions passed by the assembly seriously?Our role is to recommend. We must listen to people's voices.  Does your role end at recommending?Let it come for discussion first, and then we'll see.  What is your opinion about BJP politics in the Valley?Anybody is welcome to participate in Valley politics. As a matter of fact, there are lesser chances for BJP's style of politics to hold credible ground in J&K. I believe all have a legitimate right to enter Valley politics.  What is your take on the impending resolution on the execution of Afzal Guru?Let's not talk about that now. It's a long discussion by itself.

COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING