AFSPA, the question of National Security

Updated 03 Apr

Since it's introduction on 11 September, 1958, AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Power Act) has been one of the most controversial topics which always sparked heated discussions on different platforms.

This act was introduced to give certain special powers to Indian armed forces in certain specific regions which were disturbed. These regions were specially seven sister states like Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. In 1990 it was extended in Jammu & Kashmir.

AFSPA was the result of continuous devastating violence under insurgencies and presence of numerous anti state elements and separatists in these regions which were very difficult for different civil authorities to contain them. Thus, in the need to restore peace and stability in the region, certain special powers were vested in our Armed Forces.

What are those special powers ?

This act provides the Indian Armed Forces the authority to:

• Use weapons or physical force against any suspected insurgent in the disturbed regions.

• To occupy or destroy any suspected property on the grounds of suspicion of a safe heaven for a hidden terrorist.

• To destroy or confiscate arms and ammunition.

• Search anywhere and arrest anyone without warrant.

AFSPA gives legal protection to the person who acts under it.

People in the regions where AFSPA is acting are treating this act as a barrier in their liberty. There were also instances when Armed Forces used these special powers vested in them to harass the common public. Due to these factors there has been a continuous demand from different groups and NGOs to abrogate this act.

While such people from these region should understand that it is terrorist but not AFSPA who is the actual threat to their liberty. To live with peace in a disturbed area, people are required to cooperate with the authorities. It should be not that there are numerous instances that the suspected person was found to be a terrorist.

Also, at the same time the Armed Forces should make it sure that these powers should not be treated by anyone as a tool to misuse and harass people. There should be zero tolerance for the misuse of these powers.

People should have faith on the capabilities and motives of our Armed Forces. They should understand that no country in this world has managed to eradicate terrorism with the usage of normal laws. Certain special powers are always need of the hour in such situations.