Don’t repeal special powers of forces in Kashmir: army official

NEW DELHI - Diluting the special powers given to security forces under law could be “damaging”, a top Indian Army officer said Thursday, opposing any future move to repeal such laws needed for “effectively” fighting militants in Jammu and Kashmir.

“In order to operate effectively, security forces need necessary legal provisions,” Lt. Gen. Mukesh Sabharwal said.

Sabharwal was delivering a lecture on ‘Internal Security in Jammu and Kashmir: Historical Perspective and Emerging Scenario’, as a part of the Indira Gandhi National Open University’s (IGNOU) Silver Jubilee celebration in the varsity’s Maidan Garhi campus.

Opposing the popular demand of politicians in Jammu and Kashmir for revocation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in the state, the army officer said: “Any dilution of protective laws for security forces could be damaging.”

“Such laws are the only safeguard for security forces, and give them the requisite legal framework which permits them to conduct proactive operations against terrorists.”

Sabharwal, who is Adjutant General of the Indian Army, said that for internal security state police forces and the central paramilitary needed to be strengthened.

“This involves capacity building of state police forces, training of police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).”

He said the importance of leadership of the paramilitary forces “also cannot be overemphasized”.

“We gradually need to reduce the army’s visibility, especially in cities and along roads,” Sabharwal said.

He stated that “excellent communications” were essential to enable security forces to operate effectively. “In turn, for these to be effective, intelligence is a must. This is best gathered through the populace, which in Jammu and Kashmir has been largely won over, convinced of the just cause of the nation.”

Sabharwal also underlined the importance of governance and development in Jammu and Kashmir. “It would be desirable for more industries to mushroom in Jammu and Kashmir, and for the national media to proliferate to an ever greater degree.”

“Development of the state is perhaps single most important factor, essential for bringing lasting peace to the state.”

The lecture session was chaired by IGNOU Vice-Chancellor V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai and was attended by eminent guests, academics, students and staff of the university.

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act is opposed by major political parties in Kashmir who describe it as draconian.