No plans to review Armed Forces Special Powers Act: Government

NEW DELHI: Government has no plans to review the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, Lok Sabha was informed today.

"At present there is no such proposal. If the situation so warrants that areas be declared as disturbed, the same is done. This is examined or assessed periodically," Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said.

He was replying to a question whether the government proposes to review the AFSPA Act, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons thereof.

Rijiju said representations have been received from time to time from different organisations or NGOs from Manipur for withdrawal and also from the state government of Jammu and Kashmir for phased withdrawal of the AFSPA.

The Minister said for preventing misuse of powers under the AFSPA, guidelines containing 'Do's and Don't' for the armed forces deployed in counter insurgency operations have been issued as per the directions of the Supreme Court.

Violation of these guidelines by members of the armed forces make them liable for prosecution under the Army Act and the respective Acts of the Central Armed Police Forces.

Rijiju said the Chief of Army Staff has issued 'Ten Commandments' to the troops deployed in counter insurgency operations to guide them while conducting the operations.

"The troops are sensitised at regular intervals regarding the importance of upholding human rights. The guidelines are strictly adhered to," he said.