We should also be ashamed of what UN and Amnesty International questioning
AFSPA some years back.
After the judgment, 42- year- old Sharmila who has been on fast for the last 16 years demanding roll back of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (
AFSPA) in Manipur, said her struggle would continue till her demands are met.
Rather than help quell revolt,
Afspa has hardened resentments against a military that has too often abused the extraordinary powers conferred by the act.
The government has responded with counter-insurgency operations and
AFSPA was enforced in Manipur in 1980.
It is worth to mention here that
AFSPA gives the armed forces certain protection from legal action in carrying out their operations in disturbed areas.
The repeal of the
AFSPA had been recommended at the previous UPR cycle in 2012 and, therefore, it was no surprise that it made its appearance during the current review.
The "Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (
AFSPA)" and the "Disturbed Area Act (DAA)" are synonymous with the people of the Northeast India.
In its manifesto, the Congress has promised to amend the
AFSPA, if it comes to power in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Sehrai strongly condemned and anguished over the cold blooded murder of mentally challenged person, Rayees Ahmed Wani of Kulgam in Shopian by forces and said, the 'draconian laws like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (
AFSPA) allow security forces to shoot at anybody merely on the basis of a suspicion'.
AFSPA is in effect in several Indian states, including in Manipur and Indian-administered Kashmir.
This again gives the sweeping power to the Security forces under the draconian Act
AFSPA.
" I pray to God that such situation develops that there is no need for
AFSPA in the country.