Plan to Remove AFSPA from Jammu and Kashmir: Amit Shah Announces – Soldiers’ Recall and Assembly Elections Prioritized by September
Central Home Minister Amit Shah stated on Tuesday (March 27) that the Central Government is considering the removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Jammu and Kashmir. The government is also planning to call back the deployed soldiers from there. Additionally, Amit Shah discussed the possibility of holding state assembly elections in September.
In an interview with a media group, Amit Shah mentioned that the government has decided to entrust the responsibility of law and order in the centrally administered region of Jammu and Kashmir solely to the police. Initially, there was a lack of trust in the police, but now they are leading significant operations.
Key Points from Amit Shah’s Interview
- Reservation for OBCs in Jammu and Kashmir: The Modi government has extended reservation to Other Backward Class (OBCs) in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time. Additionally, women have also been granted one-third reservation in Panchayat and urban local bodies. Special provisions have been made for SC and ST communities as well.
- Decrease in Fake Encounters: Amit Shah mentioned that during the tenure of Abdullah and Mufti, many fake encounters took place. However, in the last five years, there hasn’t been a single fake encounter registered. Those involved in fake encounters are only facing FIRs.
- Ban on 12 Organizations Linked with Terrorism: The Modi government has imposed a ban on 12 organizations associated with terrorism. Twenty-two cases related to terrorism funding have been identified, with assets worth 150 crores seized. Additionally, 134 bank accounts have been frozen.
- Decline in Terror Incidents: Shah highlighted a significant decrease in terrorism incidents during the Modi government’s tenure. From 2010 to 2014, there were 2,564 stone-pelting incidents, which have now reduced to zero. Similarly, from 2004 to 2014, there were 7,217 terrorist incidents, whereas from 2014 to 2023, only 2,227 incidents occurred.
- Appeal to Youth to Stay Away from Pakistan’s Agenda: Shah urged the youth to refrain from falling prey to Pakistan’s propaganda. He emphasized that 85% of those killed in terrorist activities were Muslims. He also emphasized the Modi government’s efforts in providing jobs to the families of martyrs and enhancing the morale of security forces.
Today, Pakistan is suffering from hunger and poverty. The people there idolize Kashmir as paradise. I urge everyone to believe that if anyone can save Kashmir, it’s Prime Minister Modi. The Modi government is providing jobs to the families of martyrs, and today, not a single martyr’s family is without a job.
Understanding AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act)
The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is specifically enforced only in disturbed regions. Under this act, security forces have the authority to arrest individuals without a warrant and can use force, including lethal force, if deemed necessary.
This law was enacted on September 11, 1958, primarily to empower security forces in maintaining order. In 1990, due to escalating terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, AFSPA was also implemented in the region. The decision on which areas qualify as “disturbed” lies solely with the central government.
