Recently, Union Minister Amit Shah made a significant statement, mentioning that the central government is considering the removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir. He shared this information during an interview. He stated that our plan involves bringing back the soldiers from Jammu and Kashmir, while the responsibility for law and order would be left to the Jammu and Kashmir Police. But do you know what AFSPA is? Did the Modi government succeed in establishing peace in Jammu and Kashmir? Let us provide you with all the information.
Central Government’s Consideration to Revoke AFSPA from J&K
During an interview, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the central government is considering the revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir. He further mentioned that AFSPA has been lifted from 70% of the areas in the northeastern states, although it remains in effect in Jammu and Kashmir. Shah emphasized that after the removal of AFSPA from Jammu and Kashmir, the entire responsibility will be entrusted to the local administration. The central government believes that there has been a reduction in terrorist movement in Jammu and Kashmir, with a reported 80% decrease in terrorist activities. Incidents of stone-pelting have also ceased entirely.
What is AFSPA?
The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) grants special powers to soldiers operating in troubled areas. For the maintenance of public order, they have the authority to conduct searches, make arrests, or even use force if necessary. AFSPA is invoked when there are cases of insurgency or rebellion posing a threat to India’s territorial integrity. Security forces under AFSPA can arrest individuals without a warrant if there is reasonable suspicion of their involvement in significant crimes or if they are deemed to be about to commit such crimes. This law also provides legal immunity to security forces for their actions in troubled regions. It’s noteworthy that AFSPA is implemented in disturbed areas.
J&K after the Abrogation of Article 370
Five years after the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a positive transformation. Residents now enjoy full constitutional rights, including a 10% reservation for economically weaker sections. The central government’s initiatives are fostering development, with seven new medical colleges opening and AIIMS Jammu inaugurated. Job opportunities are surging, with 151 job fairs in the past two years. Most importantly, a significant decline in terrorist activity, thanks to government and security forces, is enabling a peaceful life for Kashmiris.
Prime Minister Modi’s Visit to Jammu and Kashmir
After the removal of Article 370, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first visit to Kashmir. During this visit, under the Comprehensive Agriculture Development Program, the PM inaugurated 53 projects worth Rs. 6,400 crores. In his speech, he said that this is the new Jammu and Kashmir that we all have been waiting for for many decades.
How much has J&K Changed in the Last 10 Years?
It is evident that there has been significant change in Jammu and Kashmir over the past 10 years. If we talk about 5-7 years ago, there were frequent terrorist attacks in different districts of Kashmir. Security forces often faced difficulties in locating terrorists in many areas. Additionally, there were incidents of stone pelting on security forces. However, if we talk about the present scenario, peace has been completely restored in Kashmir. There has been a decrease in terrorist movement in Jammu and Kashmir, with a reported 80% reduction in terrorism according to statistics.
AFSPA Implementation in the Northeastern States
AFSPA was enacted in the northeastern states on September 1, 1958. It’s worth mentioning that in the year 2015, it was repealed from Tripura. It’s notable that in his statement, Union Minister Shah mentioned that AFSPA has been lifted from 70% of the areas in the northeastern states.
