Antony opposes repeal of Armed Forces Act Amended

Defence Minister A K Antony feels that the time is not opportune for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from insurgency-hit states.

New Delhi, June 27 : Defence Minister A K Antony feels that the time is not opportune for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from insurgency-hit states.

Antony said it was not possible to repeal the act, as it was required to deal with insurgents operating from foreign soil as also coming into Indian Territory from outside the country.

"To control these international forces, -- terrorists, insurgents, infiltrators -- the army there needs some special powers so they can act effectively deal with them. I don't think the time has come for repeal of the act. At the same time, there is always scope for improvement. There can be amendments made to the act to make it more humane," Antony told reporters on the sidelines of a function in New Delhi.

"The country cannot afford a total repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in the present security scenario," he added.

The Administrative Reforms Commission, headed by Veerappa Moily, in its report presented to the Prime Minister on Monday recommended repealing of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act which gives soldiers powers to arrest or kill suspected rebels during anti-insurgency operations, with virtual immunity from prosecution.

The Act applies to Jammu and Kashmir and most of the insurgency-hit North eastern states.

In a report on 'Public Order', formally submitted to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday, the second Administrative Reforms Commission recommended replacing AFSPA with a new law that would enable the Centre to deploy paramilitary and Army troops in insurgency hit areas under periodic review.

Critics say the army uses the act indiscriminately which hurts innocents civilians. Human rights groups and other critics have been campaigning against army excesses.

ANI