Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has announced that when peace returns to Jammu and Kashmir, the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) will be scrapped from the Union Territory. Speaking at a national security conclave in Jammu, Singh highlighted the government’s success in controlling insurgency in North East India and left-wing extremism in particular. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for increasing India’s prestige and stature on the international stage, adding that under Modi’s leadership the world listens carefully to what India has to say.
Singh also recalled former Prime Minister Rajeev Gandhi’s concerns about corruption and how Modi tackled this problem head-on by introducing Direct Benefit Transfer thereby making the direct transaction possible for everyone. Singh acknowledged that the government had reduced corruption but understood that it could never be eradicated by just giving speeches as systemic changes were necessary.
Accompanied by Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Singh’s comments were welcomed by senior leaders of the BJP’s Jammu and Kashmir unit including Ravinder Raina, Jugal Kishore, and Rajinder Sharma, who received the minister at the airport.
The AFSPA, which grants special powers to the Indian Armed Forces in areas affected by insurgency, has been in force in Jammu and Kashmir since 1990. Human rights organizations have criticized the act, citing instances of the military’s abuse of power. The act has been slowly phased out in certain parts of the country, and Singh’s recent announcement indicates that the government is working towards a peaceful solution in Jammu and Kashmir.
The move has fueled optimism among Jammu and Kashmir residents, who have long requested the revocation of the act to improve their lives and promote economic growth in the Union Territory. The scrapping of the AFSPA is seen as a positive step by the government to address the grievances of locals and create a more stable environment in the region.
Singh’s commitment to Jammu and Kashmir’s peace and stability marks yet another positive development in the Indian government’s policies towards the state. Despite some challenges, the Modi government has made significant strides in promoting economic growth, improving infrastructure, and maintaining security in the region. The decision to remove AFSPA when peace returns will likely be seen as another important milestone in bringing lasting peace to Jammu and Kashmir.
