Soldiers need legal protection, says IAF chief

NEW DELHI - While political dilemma over revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Jammu and Kashmir continues, the Indian Air Force chief Tuesday stressed the need for legal protection to soldiers.

“Soldiers while involved in performing their duty need legal protection if you want them to be efficient,” IAF chief Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

Naik expressed confidence that the government’s decision on the issue would be right.

“I think the government is fully sensitive to the issue and they will take the correct decision,” he added.

Defence Minister A.K. Antony, meanwhile, has assured that the views of all sections would be taken into consideration before a final decision on the AFSPA is taken.

“We will take a decision (on the AFSPA). Tomorrow is the all-party meeting, after which we will take a decision,” Antony said at another function. “The decision has to be taken carefully.”

The AFSPA gives army officers legal immunity for their actions. There can be no prosecution, suit or any other legal proceeding against any officer acting under the act. Nor is the government’s judgement on why an area is found to be “disturbed” subject to judicial review.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has demanded that the AFSPA be revoked from parts of the valley, where the deaths in violence have reached 88 since June 11.

Nearly 16 people lost their lives on Monday during protests initially triggered by reports of the Quran had been desecrated in the US.