More than 23 years after the bombing that signalled the beginning of the murderous insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir, India's strategic establishment is demonstrating a curious unwillingness to grasp the fact that the war to restore peace has been won. Ever since 2009, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has been advocating the withdrawal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act from parts of the State, as a first step towards an incremental rollback of the Army's presence in civilian-inhabited areas — a source of everyday friction with civilians. Even though Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram has backed the idea, and a report by three government interlocutors has endorsed it, New Delhi has proved unwilling to act, in part because of bitter resistance by the Indian Army. Based on an analysis of central government data, this newspaper reported on Friday that J&K was more peaceful than many ‘perfectly peaceful' States — among them, economically vibrant Haryana. In population-adjusted terms, violent deaths in J&K — those of terrorists and security force personnel, as well as murders of civilians, whether terrorism-related or otherwise — were at the same level as in Bihar, and not significantly higher than in Delhi. No one in New Delhi, though, wishes to be charged with overruling an assessment by the armed forces — an assessment which, regrettably, is driven more by fear than hard-headed strategic sense.
Three spurious arguments are being used to justify the status quo. First, the Army contends that the situation across the Line of Control needs a robust military presence. But Mr. Abdullah isn't proposing removing a single soldier. His proposals would only lift AFSPA from two areas where the Army in any case has no security responsibilities. If things went well, troops would be freed up for deployment along the LoC, leaving the State and central police forces to deal with the degraded insurgency. Secondly, it is claimed that without AFSPA, the Army will not be able to stage counter-terrorism operations in an emergency. Proponents of this argument forget that AFSPA did not have to be imposed to allow the Army to assist in the defence of Parliament House when it came under terrorist attack in 2001 — and that the Army staged many successful counter-terrorism operations in Jammu province before AFSPA was imposed there in 2001. Finally, some argue that the AFSPA-free enclaves will be magnets for terrorists. This, too, makes little sense, since the Army is not present in the enclaves anyway — and it is improbable that terrorists have not established themselves there for fear of a mere law. Chief Minister Abdullah's proposals do entail risks. Yet not taking those risks involves heavy costs — key among them, creating a reservoir of frustration and anger that will undermine the hard-won peace that so many Indian soldiers gave their lives for.
Keywords: AFSPA, insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir, terrorism, Kashmir issue, AFSPA withdrawal, Armed Forces Act
Before removing AFSPA from Kashmir, Article 370 must be removed, if not
so, then the integrity of Chief Minister Mr Omar Obadulla comes under
doubt and it will be shown that Mr. Obadulla is a man of doubtful
character.
AFSPA has to go. It is a draconian and an inhuman law without any justice unless in an actual and live war situation.Does this mean that the rest of the nation has to take up this issue on to the streets for the sake of Kashmiris ? Not only Kashmiris but the whole Nation has suffered because of what happened in Kashmir. I hope better sense will prevail over vested interests to preserve the hard won peace not only for the region but for the whole Nation. Procrastination is dangerous than Inaction.
I wonder how this anti national newspaper survives !! All its editorials are outrageously Hindu bashing and against national interests including this article . yet this shameless newspaper keeps its name as the Hindu " maybe it helps it.AFPSA is very much required in kashmir !!
This is a good idea to remove the AFSPA from Kashmir valley taking into consideration the fact the this summer valley remain peaceful and attracted most number of tourists in last 25 years. However, another fact needs to be kept in mind is that Kashmir is not any other Indian state where few days normalcy can be treated as a peace for ever. Until 1990 there was peace in the valley, remember the famous songs of classical hindi films, of the age of Raj Kapoor. With just one year of normalcy we cannot be sure to remove army from the valley. Yes, it is correct that there were certain instances that has degraded the reputation of the Army (like Machil, Pathribal), but for this is a problem in the Army and clear instruction have to be given that such incidents do not repeat.
We all love Kashmir and the sentiments are very high all over the country as far as Kashmir is concerned.
The issue is highly polemic and has been under discussion a lot of times.AFPSA should not be removed by purporting that it will bring peace and harmony.The areas where it is being targeted to be removed are anyway peaceful and the enforcement doesn't bother anyone.Looking at the tumultuous situation close by,it wouldn't be a smart move.Comparison of the execution of assaults launched before 2001 and post 2001 with AFPSA is largely hollow and is not a tenable argument while advocating AFPSA's removal.AFPSA had become a necessity then and hence it was enforced.Just imagine how many more will perish for nothing if it is counterattacked and army has to plan knowing whatever they do has to be justified later.Thou it doesn't mean that Army crosses limits.The move seems to be mistimed.The peace cannot be at the expense of exposing innocent lives to opportunist antagonistic forces.We all hope that situation improves in our contiguity so that Army itself says we don't need AFPSA.
It provides safeguard and protect interest of our force personals in context of its operation to enforce peace in territory efficiently. Now the head of state is stating that the situation of specific area improved hence i do't see any reason in revoke of AFSPA.Let we respect humanity in any situation otherwise it will be history that we Indian could't fight the situation with human respect & dignity.
kashmiri people are definitely fed up of afspa in the region. i believe
govt. of india should lift afspa act from some area and allow state govt
police officals to control the area because india wants peace in its
parts let the state govt. prove themselves. in my opinion solution to
kashmir can't be achieved by force but by winning the heart of innocent
kashmiri
As we can see that most of the Indians support not to revoke the AFSPA act from Kashmir. This is due to the false portrayal of Kashmiris and Muslims in the mainstream media. Kashmiris are humans first. Humans living under constant blockade and resistance from Army in the region only frustrates their day to day life. Kashmir situation is no different from the Palestinian situation. Both these hapless people have to come across the resistances from the Army. Omar Abdullah has asked for removing AFSPA from only few districts of Kashmir and not from entire state. If AFSPA repealing (from two districts) proves to beneficial, then the entire region can be free from AFSPA. Let this be an example.
The non-state armed group (insurgents, extremists or terrorists, whatever you may call them) need to be dealt with and contained because they violate rights of the people to live peacefully, they try to impose their will on the people and the state unlawfully and violently trampling the constitutionalism and the rule of law that are sine qua non for civilised human existence. It is the mandate of the state to maintain the reign of law and constitution and the writ of the government established by law along with ensuring security and safety of the person and property of the citizens. But when the state through its security forces and law enforcement agencies commits more atrocious acts than the acts which it professes it is fighting the difference between the non-state terrorists and the state gets blurred. The armed forces of India when operate under the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act, 1958 in North East India or in Jammu and Kashmir (under J&K version) do not act for enforcement.
Can any body justifiably say that the staff and workers of Maintenance department of a factory can be disbanded because there have been no breakdowns of machines; it is because of the measures taken by this particular department,including preventive breakdown measures,that the other producing sections are able to maintain their schedules. It is again like saying that the traffic signals are no longer needed because the traffic flow is good! There ARE services in our society whose presence or contribution may not be felt, but in the absence of these services,we get into a lot of peril.
Considering the degree of human rights violation that it entails, it makes perfect sense to at least experimentally begin revoking it from some areas. Depending then on the consequent results the future course of action could be decided. Presently, what is of utmost importance is empathising with the troubles of people of valley and pave way towards rrpealing the draconian act. Society must always remember the adage, "In fighting evil , make sure you yourself don't become one".
You cannot compare this situation to any other part of India. Here are bunch of people who are up and arms against India. India cannot afford to lower the guards. the only way that can be done is by allowing Kashmir to be like any other state in India. all dispersed pandits goes back to Kashmir. also local publicly and legally make sure anti-india activities not allowed in the state. then and then only we can think of removing AFSPA.
It is ridiculous to compare situation of some Indian states with J&K.We are forgetting the violent agitation by mob backed by militants.Separatists have not changed their opinion against Indian state.They are waiting for situation like removal of AFSPA.Is the Valley now safe for returning of Pandits there?So please leave the decision on security forces to take.
If Faroq Abdulla wants AFSPA to be lifted to gain political mileage then he should be desisted at first. Whereas, if he is really interested in the well being of Kashmiri people by giving back their little share of pride and freedom then his proposition to lift AFSPA should be carefully considered by the centre along with the implications of lifting it might have. The centre shouldn't yield to army's demand unless it is based on sound reason. If the current Kashmiri local police and administration is capable of handling the tension-reduced, infiltration-reduced situation in parts of Kashmir then the resources, time and money spent on imposing AFSPA can be re-directed for other national securing and building measures.
The editorial is completely misleading. Even if army is there how does it matters to common man. It is for their safety. Remove the army and the terrorist will be in your home. They are still there and because of army presence unable to strike as much as they wish to do. Let the people realize that harboring terrorist is a crime.
The intention of having AFSPA in J&K is to increase the security of the people. It is understandable that the people for whom this security measure is implemented are at loggerheads with it as it affects their daily life. But it must be understood that the primary concern of the government in J&K is the security of it's people. Heads or Tails, the government is bound to face the brunt of one section or the other. So, in this scenario, the government has to prioritize it's intentions and actions.
Kudos to The Hindu for a A well balanced article.Indeed, it is a symbolic message which CM Omar Abdullah wants to send across.
Perhaps this issue should be dealt after a fair discussion with army, intelligence and other sources. Army can have their own prejudices on this matter as they do not want to lose any ground that give them edge over infiltration . However proper weight-age has to be given to army's opinion on this . Report from intelligence agencies both from RAW and IB should be more trustworthy and reliable and would definitely account for more weightage . However the way of removing AFSPA seems more convincing and can be tried on trial basis .
The print media in general with a few exceptions like The Hindu as well as the entire private electronic media take sides with the Congress-led Central Government in any dispute between the Centre and State Governments especially if these are non-Congres Governments. The dispute between the Centre and the J&K Government on the withdrawal of AFSPA is one such. With the present editorial The Hindu has put the dispute in the right perspective. It should be read in the editorial rooms of that large section of the media believing in the dictum :come what may,must support the Congres-led Central Government!
Your editorial is flawed. Army should be given free hand to make ground level assessment about national security issues and take a national stand (Kashmir is a boiling pot for long); it is advisable for intellectuals to choose other fields to opine. Omar Abdullah is a dyed-in-the-wool politician!
The AFSPA is still working as helmet for trouble-torn ice. It protects the peaceful civilians from cross-boarder terrorists and Pak-supported militants ruling Kashmir. I think Omar's demand lift AFSPA comes under pressure of Islamic radicals. Like his forefather to father Farooq his intent is doubtful. I think he is on the crossroad over his stand against Pak.
i would like to back editor for this brave words.. We should also look into the living condition of people who reside in Kashmir. People in the states where AFSPA is in action would always be against it . The people who are for AFSPA are those from non AFSPA states i think. Those who are for AFSPA should go and live as citizens of those states where AFSPA is in action before commenting so that they will have a clear idea of difficulties faced by people there.
I do not subscribe to the school that considers the lifting of AFSPA from parts of the valley a statistical issue. Kashmir valley has an emotional binding with the nation's existence with honour. It is not a normal case of insurgency or extremism where some people in a state agitate against the issues of governance. It is a case of secession from Indian state, instigated and supported by some neighbouring countries. The army needs to stay in the valley not just to guard against the internal threats but against the external threats too. The POK, the backyard of the valley, is witnessing activities harmful to Indian interests. Removing army from the valley is illogical and unwise. Unfortunately, if army does have to stay there, they must be armed with AFSPA. We understand that the presence of army can cause inconveniences to the local people. But these inconveniences have to be lived with in the larger interest of the nation.
yeah its right,AFSPA must go. many civilian suffering from AFSPA oppress and only kashmiri civilian explain the reality of AFSPA. i would like to that its always easy to make statement or comments on other's but its never easy to feel the pain of other's.
AFSPA : Armed Forces Special Powers Act AFSPA means an ordinary Indian Army Jawan is being protected by Law while rendering his duties for protecting Our Country 'Mother India'. Can you expect an Indian Jawan who is getting basic salary, raising his children, feeding his parents and family, start attending endless police enquiries and court proceedings for his actions in fighting with militants? Do you find any ethical sense or morale in asking him to do? don't forget he serving our Mother Land thousands of miles away from his children and family. He is serving at 50 degrees in Rajasthan and -50 degrees in siachen. IF YOU OR YOUR CHILDREN DID NOT REACH HOME BY 11 OR 12 PM WHAT WOULD BE YOUR FAMILY'S REACTION? AND IF YOU CANT REACHABLE BY PHONE EVEN? HE IS NOT SITTING IN A/C OFFICE UPDATING HIS FACEBOOK OR TWITTER. HE IS FACING THE REAL BULLET EVERY MINUTE OF HIS SERVICE LIFE.
Dear Editor, this editorial article LACKS SENSE. You said these areas are peaceful and has no military presence. Also you are saying people are frustrated due to AFSPA. THESE TWO THINGS IN THIS ARTICLE IS CONTRADICTORY. When these areas are peaceful and has no army presence ALL IS WELL and no body should care AFSPA. SO we can say AFSPA in these areas are only on paper and when things get wrong army can be called in. By asking to remove you are not trusting Indian Army for their purity and sacrifices. It is simply saying that my village is very peaceful and has not seen any crimes for so many decades, so please do not apply or enforce Indian Law, Indian Penal Code and Police presence. Are you getting my point?
CM's decision would really entails great risks.. Are we not capable to secure our soil ?? if this is done then would local forces and CRPFs entrusted with more armours in their hands.. Terrorist wants such things to be happen so that they can achieve their targets first before us..
Actually, you DO NOT need reasons to be stated Why AFSPA must go. Why AFSPA must stay needs lots of reasoned justification by the government, not the other way.
it must go now.It bitter no better for the people . i would like to ask the Indians and also those who made comments on this particular issue that why it should not go now .it is the best time for AFSPA to go from not only this state also from all those places where still it exists. those who are against the revocation of AFSPA .they have not the little bit experience of living in this particular area.We know how hard is life here.Again i would say those people are in opposition of revocation of AFSPA, they are ill minded people,they are living in the world of fools.
Kashmir: AFSPA must remain. India should NOT fall in trap to let AFSPA
go, and in turn let Kashmir go. Let Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's prophesy be
true and we should combat Pakistan 1000 years war for Kashmir in every
sense.
Frankly, army is army - whichever country be it, keeping them for decades in civilian areas is a nightmare for common people. Much of the anger of J&K people targeting army is not without reason - if we analyse many of the developments including latest mass graves. Therefore it is reasonable for Central Govt. which is heading the largest democracy, to move quickly towards calling back army from civilian areas. Govt.'s apprehensions of likely revival of greater militant activity in the midst mixed signals from Islamabad too needs consideration. A dual policy of protecting the honour of the civilians even while protecting the border of the nation will be in the best interest of nation which is in the threshold of acquiring new leadership role in the region and world.
Many innocent people have lost their lives in Kashmir and there is no end of the bloodshed. It would be in the interest of the people of Kashmir to give them the opportunity to express their wish what political solution they prefer. A referendum on Kashmir could take place under international observation. The Hindu often published editorials on Palestine and supports the idea of an independent Palestine, I agree fully with this point of view.
Peace will only be possible in the Middle East after granting Palestinians their own independent state.
It should be go without saying to grant Kashmiris the right to determine their own future.
A democratic referendum on Kashmir is the only solution to stop bloodshep.
Kashmiris would like to live in peace and in a stable environment and seeing a prosperous future for their children.
Their wishes are human.
Best regards
Kurt Waschnig
The article is only partially correct.Everyone should understand that army in kashmir and manipur works in a very terrifying and difficult scenario and as such giving them some extra powers to check infiltration of militants is no harm.But some black fish in army have brought disrepute to it by using the provisions under AFSPA to rape women and kill innocents.The center should weigh the conditions and take a decision accordingly
Army is called in to assist when normal law & order machinery, breaks down. Obviously in such extreme situations the response has to be different and that is why AFASPA was incorporated in the law books.
The simple equation is if you need army in civilian areas (Except in situations like Floods, Earthquake etc)it will come with AFASPA. The civilian administration headed by NC Congress have to ask for withdrawal of Army from all civilian areas and declare situation in normal and withdraw AFASPA.
There is but one way of resolving the impasse over the AFSP Act in J&K and that is to implement the recommendation made by our security forces long ago but was rejected by our netas due to vote bank considerations. A sanitised defence system akin to the erstwhile Berlin Wall should be set up along the Line of Control from Kathua to Samba to Ranbirsingpura to Poonch to Dras to Kargil and on to Point NJ 9842 to prevent infiltration. Beyond this is not necessary since the LOC climbs 20,000 feet to the Siachen Glacier and finally ends at the Karakoram Pass. The AFSP Act can then be removed altogether and the army sent back to the barracks. Our para military forces can subsequently man the LOC. However, determined correctional steps must be enforced in the Kashmir Valley to bring it into our mainstream as it has become a virtual extension of POK and a thriving operations base for terrorists. This Act was inducted to defame the army as our netas have no intention to settle the Kashmir issue.
The editorial backs up its argument for removal AFSPA by the figures of number of violent deaths. It should be kept in mind that terrorism related deaths cannot be compared with other deaths due to fact that every terrorism activity marks the failure of military and intelligence agencies. Every terrorist activity today becomes a national news and affects the perception about the security situation of the state.
Every terrorist activity in J&K is usually followed by a manhunt in search of the culprits. Removal of AFSPA will certainly hinder with the smooth functioning of manhunts and will provide terrorists with safe havens.
Your editorial 'Chief Minister Abdullah's proposals do entail risks. Yet not taking those risks involves heavy costs — key among them, creating a reservoir of frustration and anger that will undermine the hard-won peace that so many Indian soldiers gave their lives for.' is having sense of purpose. Only people outside kashmir may view differently.Let the army guard LOC and the civilian govt get the chance of protecting the people.
We do not follow a spirit of professional expertise. This is a security issue and well within the domain of the Army. They have all the intel reports and know what is the status of infiltration from across the border and the local help to militants. Naturally we should leave the decision to them. Why should politicians creep their way into everything. In India politica enters every facet of life and soon assumes the Congress-BJP attitude.
I am sure if paramilitary had been given a free hand, militancy would have ended in Kashmir much earlier.
The first step to build the confidence in kashmiri people is the removal of this act. This is the demand of the people since many years and they are always disapointed by the response, that is why they don't like india. This is the opportunity for the army also to win the people.They know very well how much people like their presence. If they want to change the sanerio they should take this step.
Silence in kashmir valley has been achieved by our Army by giving their valuable lives.And encouragement to doing this was given by AFSPA.It's OK that situation has been changed,But we can not take it for granted.Our Border on POK is not safe till now. Withdrawal of AFSPA means Army can't do any preventive action,they can only defend himself.What is the guarantee that By withdraw of AFSPA there will be no insurgency and situation will not be worse.What we have achieved till now we have to maintain it. For the People of Kashmir govt give 12% of their GDP. Which is the highest of any state of India.Anger of youngster is because of unemployment,lack of Development,corruption ,Not an AFSPA. Army is doing their task,But this is the failure of other agency.Situation of Kashmir is not same as Delhi,Haryana,Bihar. To compare these states with Valley is illogical,irreverent. AFSPA must continue but culprit ,whether it is from police,army,central forces should be punished ,if they found guilty.
The AFSPA ACT 1958 IN 7 STATE established and in J&K it established in 1990. Your three argument is a point of veiw for all INDIAN people and INDIAN GOVERNMENT it is right because in current time much security must be need in inner state of INDIA because many terrorism occupied in inner state than AFSPA states. Atrocity of civilian also seen in inner part of INDIA .J&K good from ecomomical level there are many resource like human,energy. ABOUT Omar he want publicity and his thought is good but is only fake
I feel that reluctanace to lift AFSPA constitutes a recipe for disaster to civilian life in Kashmir. Your arguments are in correct perspective. A.Sharmila has proved this by her refusal to settle for a family life an ordinary woman aspires for.
It proves beyond doubt that vested interest rules the roost least forgetting that 2010 of direct result such strong arm tactics.I for one would pray that better sense prevail.
AFSPA must go. It is a question of treating people with dignity - the law has outlived its utility.
Please don't make Indian Army an scapegoat for the misdeeds of politicians who could not rule the States properly whether Manipur or J&K. The Army had been called to restore peace and tranquility, law and order situations when things were out of control of the hands of politicians and the state agencies. The Armed Forces are neither meant nor designed for maintenance of law and order situation in the States. Don't deploy them for these purposes. There will be no need for AFASPA. Please don't blame and demoralise our forces. India would not have been what it is today but for the sacrifices of our brave and young soldiers who laid their lives for us.
It is the objectivity, integrity and veracity of The Hindu that makes it the top quality newspaper.
Army will not oppose AFSPA if it is assured that it will be deployed on borders only and they shall not be asked to assist police in counter insurgency operations in civilian areas. What happens is when terrorists become strong,police takes a back seat and army is called in. This is when AFSPA is required. Let PC and Omar say publicaly with committment from their parties that J&K police is capable of handling all emergencies and under no circumnstances army Including para military forces will be called to assist police,and they take responsibility of cosequencies,Army will be to happy to have AFSPA removed.
Without knowing what is AFSPA, Who we are to comment? Ofcource AFSPA is being used for human rights violation willingly or in ignorance.
But at the same time it has been proved a useful act to deal with insurgency,terrorism.So what we need now , not to lift or impose AFSPA,but to check is there any fault or we need amendments in this ACT. Because confidence building in the society is very important and useful for country's sovergnity.
As you are saying that the facts prove in favor of lifting AFSPA. The number of deaths are much less in J&K because of presence of army only. Otherwise it would have been reverse. And other thing is that the protests organised in June-July'09 were organised by militant outfits itself. Because you see no major incidence of terrorism has hit the state since then. The reason being that the group of interlocutors are reviewing the situation of the state for lifting the AFSPA. And the terrorists are waiting for this only.
Acceptance of decisions taken by civilian authorities have to be based on deliberate reasoning considering their fragile and unscrupulous decision making structure controlled by equally inept politicians and bureaucrats. We cannot risk our troops to get entangled in any legal complications knowing well the civilian tendency of making things complicated by involving judiciary mostly with an intention to harass. Well, if you want AFASPA to go , let it go. But then do not expect Army to come back again to sort things out once they go out of your control. After all they also have families and children. As it is enough is enough. Pl call your civil security elements to do their job for which they have been employed. Army is meant for and will only guard the borders.
A national plebiscite has become the need of the hour for this issue. Let this minuscule apache maraud away mournings from the crown of country.
Reading this makes perfect sense. And it tells the story of an occupied land, not a place where india's army is out to enforce law and order. In reality, india's army is a murderous occupation force in Kashmir, with only a tenuous mandate. There are serious human rights violations due to their presence, and they make no pretense of that. Equally, wherever the india's army is present, e.g. Manipur and other NE states, the indian north has been waging a chauvinistic cultural war on the local people, not on the millitants. It is time india's north realised they cannot command the army to keep the country united, their own limitation in diversity is in the end the undoing of india.
The editorial remarks on AFASPA are up to the mark.The author has beautifully defined and remarked on the army's apprehensions.There is no need to continue this now bad Act as this has only psychological impression on the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the security forces can do without it as has been explained by the CRPF chief.It is not understood what makes army resistant to this and perhaps there may be some vested interests trying to get mileage out of this but they should remember that such interests shall be done away with whenever there is national cause.Army should accept the civilian decisions whenever they are taken in the national interest.
This has reference to the Editorial dated 29.10.11 - Kashmir- why AFSPA must go. It looks as if your main news under the caption "Figures back case for Army rollback in Kashmir" of your daily dated 28.10.2011 was a prelude for the subject editorial. It is sheer coincidence that on the same day, the Hindu has covered yet another sensational news item under the caption "Jihadis protest Islamabad's move on MFN status to India and the highlights of the news item include (i) that the only relationship with India will be through bullets and (ii) calls for liberation of Kashmir, Hyderabad and Junagadh. The law and order situation and the crime rate in rest of the states and the insurgency - hit Kashmir cannot be equated. The danger from across the border is very much imminent and the recent statement of Hamid Kharzai, President of Afghanistan that in case if Pakistan is embroiled in war with any other Nation, they will align with Pakistan has to be viewed seriously. When Kashmir is surrounded by adversaries and hostile Nations, the rollback of army or AFSPA will not only endanger Kashmir but also rest of the country. Let us hope that the Government of India will not succumb to such irrational demands and take prudent decision in the larger interest of the country.
As the saying goes 'TIME' changes everything which is quite natural. Conservative societies do not change fast while rationalists change to new situations quickly. AFSPA is pervalent in J&K and some NE states of India. We should think whether these arrangements need a change or to continue further. There is no wrong if the defence forces are confined to borders and involve more efficiently to contain infiltration and smuggling. We should also use the vast potential of our competent Army Engineers to improve infrastructure like roads and bridges for nation building. The ultimate endeavour must be in such a way that all citizens can move freely and settle where ever they wish and contribute their best to the society for national peace and prosperity. That is what is called democracy.
I am a little confused by your editorial. Here's why: "First, the Army contends...Mr. Abdullah isn't proposing removing a single soldier. His proposals would only lift AFSPA from two areas where the Army in any case has no security responsibilities." If the army has no security responsibilities in the area, why lift AFSPA?
"Secondly, it is claimed...did not have to be imposed to allow the Army to assist.."
It is my understanding that the army needs legal cover for their work. Dead Pakistani terrorists are hardly likely to sue the army (as in the case of parliament attack). Well organized anti-national elements injured even when the army takes utmost care DO create chaos (see how stone pelting was organized).
"Finally, some argue..This, too, makes little sense, since the Army is not present in the enclaves anyway."
If the army is not in the enclaves anyway then why lift AFSPA?
I don't understand the logic. Is the CPU missing an ALU? Why the need to lift AFSPA? Someone's ego?
Your 1st argument is indeed sound, but next two are ludicrously laughable and illogical. Your article reflects poor presentation of facts and research. Absence in one particular area or at a particular time doesn't necessarily establish a case for all the times and areas. you need to present more facts to back your claim.
The Editorial clearly proves that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's proposal is a well-balanced symbolic gesture which will go a long way in bringing about a sense of acceptance of their demands in the minds of the Kashmiri people -- but the Army is not willing to allow even a symbolic gesture due to paranoid mindset.
Please Email the Editor