Shillong, Mar 11: The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is not draconian, but has been demonised, Army chief designate Lt Gen VK Singh has said about the controversial act which has been imposed in Jammu and Kashmir and certain parts of the north-eastern region.
“It has clear provisions and legal things built into it which provide security to everyone. It is not draconian. We have demonised it,” Singh told reporters here last evening.
“You are aware what is happening in Manipur. When the security forces are called for any operation, the Act gives them some legal help,” he said adding the “security forces are operating in good faith”.
Manipur civil rights activist Irom Sharmila has been on an indefinite fast for over nine years now demanding repeal of the 1958 Act.
Sharmila began her fast on November 2, 2000 after ten persons were killed in firing by Assam Rifles at Imphal airport area while demanding withdrawal of the AFSPA.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 IST