Decision on lifting AFSPA in J&K on Wednesday

[Avnish Jolly]

Decision on lifting AFSPA in J&K on Wednesday
http://igovernment.in/site/decision-lifting-afspa-jk-wednesday-38395

The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) gives army officers legal
immunity for their actions
Published on 09/14/2010

New Delhi: Defence Minister AK Antony on Tuesday said the government
will take a final decision on a Kashmir package, including withdrawal
of the contentious Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), at an all-
party meeting called on Wednesday.

"Before we take a final decision, it is better to involve everyone,"
Antony told reporters a day after the Cabinet Committee on Security
(CCS) met to review the situation in violence-hit Kashmir, including
lifting of the AFSPA from parts of the state.

Asked why the CCS was not able to take a decision on a Kashmir
package, especially AFSPA, despite a three-hour-long meeting, he said:
"Important decisions have to be taken after carefully assessing all
aspects."

"Don't worry, we will take a decision. Tomorrow (Wednesday) is the all-
party meeting. After that, we will take a decision," he added when
reporters continued to ask him about withdrawing the Act from some
areas of Kashmir Valley.

The CCS meeting was held in the wake of widespread violence in the
Valley that has seen the deaths of 88 civilians in retaliatory firing
by security forces during street clashes since June 11, reports IANS.

The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) has become a political hot
potato with the ruling National Conference, the opposition People's
Democratic Party (PDP) and the separatists demanding its lifting in
Kashmir valley, but the armed forces opposing the move.

The AFSPA gives army officers legal immunity for their actions. There
can be no prosecution, suit or any other legal proceeding against any
officer acting under the act. Nor is the government's judgement on why
an area is found to be "disturbed" subject to judicial review.

The Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik Tuesday voiced
his unwillingness on withdrawal of the act in Kashmir, saying that
soldiers need legal protection.

"Soldiers while involved in performing their duty need legal
protection if you want them to be efficient," he said.