Government decision on AFSPA will be final: Antony

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - Commenting on differences between the defence ministry and the home ministry over the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), Defence Minister A.K Antony said on Sunday that there was bound to be different points of view, but if the government takes a decision, then it is final.

“There are no serious differences. It’s the same government. When there is a discussion, there are different points of view. But if the government takes a decision, it’s final. No differences. It’s all speculation. Besides, we don’t share with the public, details of discussions in the CCS and the Core Group,” Antony was quoted by a television channel, as saying.

Meanwhile, the army’s reservations on diluting or withdrawing AFSPA have been conveyed to the Prime Minister by its chief, General V K Singh.

The Army’s argument already has support within the CCS with Antony refusing to give in to Home Minister P Chidambaram

Chidambaram has been spearheading a move to withdraw or amend the law which human rights activists term as draconian and a shield against excesses.

But the Army believes having the law is crucial for its operations in the troubled state. The Army has a sympathiser also in Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

The opposition sees Monday’s CCS meeting, as very crucial. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh may end up playing the key arbiter on the sensitive issue. (ANI)