As parties mount pressure, Army reiterates stand against AFSPA

The Army today said the talks of withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from Jammu and Kashmir was "pre-mature", even as the state's political parties mounted their opposition to the law.
The talks of the withdrawal of AFSPA at this moment is "pre-mature" and "let us wait for the situation to stabilise more", GOC-in-C of Northern Command Lt Gen Sanjiv Chachra told reporters after the conclusion of the Investiture Ceremony in the Akhnoor belt of Jammu today.
Referring to Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh remarks that there should be no dilution of AFSPA in Jammu and Kashmir, Lt Gen Chachra said, "The Army Chief has said the right thing. I have also told you that there is peace... It is perceived peace... There is (terror) infrastructure in place. They are already sitting in the launching pads to enter and pollute the atmosphere here, and they have the ability to do so."

In Srinagar, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party in a statement today opposed the Army Chief's remarks on continuing the AFSPA, and said the law "has outlived its utility and the state is ready for full restoration of fundamental rights" which are severely restricted by such provisions.
The ruling National Conference too had yesterday said the controversial law "has lost its relevance" and "should be phased out and that too in a time bound manner".
"This is the time to reach out and make sure that there is peace... But we cannot put our guards down," the GOC-in-C of Northern Command said, adding that human rights violations would not acceptable at all and people should not be disturbed during anti-terror operations.

"The terrorist infrastructure, the camps are in place... Its (Pakistan) intent remains and it has the capability," Lt Gen Chachra added.
"On the LoC and hinterland, my men and troops have been given clear directions that they will remain alert to any nefarious design that inimical forces want to do against us. We are prepared and 2014 is very important and crucial year for us... We must ensure that this year we achieve more peace in the state," he said.
"We have also given clear directions that all operations should be people-friendly. No collateral damage should take place. No trigger which anybody can exploit... If a terrorist runs away so be it... We will find them again, but we do not want the people to get disturbed," he added.