Army chief’s remarks assume significance in the backdrop of reports of rounds of highlevel discussions on issue
› We have never been strong in applying the force the way it could be applied (under AFSPA). We are very concerned about human rights.
BIPIN RAWAT, army chief
NEWDELHI: Time has not come for any rethink on AFSPA or making some of its provisions milder, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has said, adding that the army has been taking adequate precautions in protecting human rights while operating in disturb areas like Jammu and Kashmir.
Rawat’s remarks assume significance as they come against the backdrop of reports that several rounds of high-level discussions have taken place between the defence and home ministries on the “need to remove or dilute at least some provisions” of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
The act gives the security forces special rights and immunity in carrying out various operations in disturbed areas. There has been a long-standing demand from various quarters in J&K and the Northeast to withdraw it.
“I do not think time has come to even rethink on AFSPA at the moment,” Gen Rawat told news agency PTI in a recent interview when asked about reports that government was re-examining the demand for a milder version of AFSPA in these states.
The army chief said though AFSPA has certain strong provisions, the army is concerned about collateral damages and ensuring that its operations under the law do not inconvenience the local people.
“We have never been strong in applying the force the way it could be applied (under AFSPA). We are very concerned about human rights. We are absolutely concerned about collateral damage. So do not get too much concerned because we are taking adequate measures and precautions,” he said.
Rawat said the army has rules of engagements for various operations at every level to ensure that no inconvenience is caused to the people while it is operating under AFSPA. “The AFSPA is an enabling provision which allows the army to operate in such difficult areas and let me assure you that the army has got quite a good
human rights record,” he said.
Asked whether time has come to adopt a combined approach involving all three services to deal with Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in J-K, Rawat did not give a direct reply but added that the armed forces have “options avail-
able” to conduct various kinds of operations.
