AFSPA was implemented in Kashmir in 1990 at the time of insurgency and unrest in the region. It granted special powers to the armed forces to maintain public order and combat insurgency effectively.
Srinagar: As discussions swirl around the potential lifting of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), the Army has initiated joint training sessions with the Jammu and Kashmir police at the White Knight Corps Battle School in Bhalra, Doda – a first-of-its kind exercise.
The development comes amid Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s plans to let the J&K police take the lead role in the Union Territory, while gradually withdrawing central forces, including the Army.
AFSPA was implemented in Kashmir in 1990 at the time of insurgency and unrest in the region. It granted special powers to the armed forces to maintain public order and combat insurgency effectively.
However, the AFSPA has been a contentious issue, with concerns raised about human rights violations and excessive use of force by the security forces. Over the years, there have been debates and demands for its repeal, citing alleged abuses and the need for accountability in conflict zones.
The potential lifting of AFSPA has been a topic of discussion in the context of efforts to restore normalcy and peace in Kashmir.
J&K police chief R R Swain, who is said to be the brain behind the initiative, and General Officer Commanding (GOC) of White Knight Corps, Lt Gen Navin Sachdeva separately visited the Battle School on March 23 and 27, respectively, and reviewed the training of the officers that included 989 newly inducted sub-inspectors.
This story was originally published in deccanherald.com. Read the full story here.