New Delhi, Dec 18 (IANS) India’s armed forces cannot counter terrorism and insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir and the northeast states without the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), Defence Minister A.K. Antony stated categorically Friday.
“As long as their (armed forces) presence is necessary, they need special provisions. They cannot function without special powers (conferred on them under the act),” Antony told reporters.

“It has been because of the presence of the armed forces that the situation has improved in Jammu and Kashmir…. If police think they can do without the army, we will withdraw the troops. But if they want them to be deployed they need special provisions.”

The minister was speaking on the sidelines of a seminar organised by the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) on Internal Security: Duties and obligations in upholding Human Rights.

“Whenever we have felt that the situation has improved in Jammu and Kashmir, we have withdrawn troops. Last year, we have withdrawn two divisions and if we see the situation has improved in Jammu and Kashmir we will further reduce the visibility and presence of the armed forces,” he added.

There have been demands from several quarters, including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) on grounds that it was leading to violation of human rights.

Abdullah has also met the defence minister to raise his concerns over what he termed as the misuse of the provisions of the AFSPA in the hands of the armed forces.

“Terror in Jammu and Kashmir and northeast and left wing extremism in certain pockets require continuance of dedicating time, resource and efforts. The situation is further complicated due to external support to perpetrators.

“One of the major challenges of the security forces is to preserve the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country. In the process of combating terrorism, they may run the risk of being dubbed as authoritarian,” Antony added.

According to the minister, the AFSPA empowers forces to act in “difficult situations”. “We will not hesitate to take action if somebody is found guilty,” he said, addressing concerns about the misuse of the act.