Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi stated that the removal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from terrorism-hit Jammu and Kashmir is “highly possible,” but the current situation is not conducive for such a change.
Without providing a specific timeframe, General Dwivedi, speaking at the India Today Conclave, noted that AFSPA could be revoked in the union territory when the Army is confident that the local police can manage the situation effectively.
“It is highly possible, but we need to consider the timeframe. We have examined areas such as Doda, Rajouri, and Kishtwar, where we believe that terrorism will not return. We envision establishing bed-and-breakfast accommodations in those regions to attract tourists. The Mughal Road, which we are also focusing on, will see significant use,” General Dwivedi remarked.
“However, let’s take a look at what has happened. Today, we have deployed an additional 15,000 troops in those areas to combat the resurgence of terrorism. It will take time, and any decision to remove AFSPA will involve discussions among the local government, the Union Home Ministry, and the Defence Ministry,” he added.
When asked if he would feel comfortable if a dialogue took place between Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Armed Forces, and the Home Ministry regarding the initiation of AFSPA’s revocation, the Army chief highlighted the necessity of a “transitional stage” between the police and the Army.
In Manipur, AFSPA was lifted from the capital, Imphal. Initially, police forces were deployed there, but AFSPA was not completely revoked. This arrangement allowed the military to intervene easily if necessary. Similarly, in certain areas of Jammu, AFSPA remains in effect, while police are also present to conduct operations,” he explained.
“Before we revoke AFSPA, a transitional stage is required where the police must feel confident in taking control, and the Army must feel that its presence is no longer necessary, supported by sufficient evidence. Only then will the Army advocate for the removal of AFSPA,” he concluded.
AFSPA is currently enforced in Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir.
