Srinagar, Apr 6: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Saturday said that circumstances in Jammu and Kashmir were such that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir could be removed from Jammu and Kashmir and that a 7-year blueprint for troop withdrawal had also been made.
During a conversation with Network18 on Friday, Singh hinted at the imminent revocation of the AFSPA in J&K.
However, he said that the final decision would rest with the Union Home Ministry.
Singh emphasised the need to review AFSPA, which grants sweeping powers to armed forces personnel in disturbed areas, allowing them to search, arrest, and open fire if deemed necessary for public order maintenance.
“Now the time has come to decide that it can be removed. Now the decision will have to be taken by the home ministry after the report comes. I said that the circumstances have become such that AFSPA can be removed but whatever action has to be taken in this regard will be taken by the home ministry,” he said.
Under AFSPA, areas or districts are designated as disturbed to facilitate armed forces operations.
In a recent interview, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also hinted at the possibility of revoking AFSPA, drawing mixed reactions from the politicians in J&K.
The act was introduced in J&K in the 1990s amid perceived disturbances in several parts of the state, allowing defence forces to maintain peace.
Singh expressed confidence in the gradual withdrawal of troops, saying, “Soon the J&K Police will take care of law and order, and the troops will be withdrawn gradually. We have made a blueprint for seven years, and we are working on strengthening the J&K Police. Most of the violent incidents are handled by the Police since they are at the forefront, and the central forces support them.
Therefore, a change in the culture can be witnessed.”
He highlighted the transformation in J&K’s Police force, noting that while previously they were not trusted, today they lead operations, with central forces providing support.