The threat of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to break up the ruling alliance, if Jammu and Kashmir is not demilitarised and if the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act is not repealed, has again raised the ultra-sensitive issue of the politicisation of national security. Having experienced similar situations in the past (and written about it in my book, Kargil — From Surprise to Victory), it may be useful to make a few observations in this regard.

But first, two important points. One, in a democratic country, all security decisions are finally in the domain of politics. Two, excessive or protracted utilisation of troops for internal security and law and order problems is neither good for the nation nor for the security forces. After a while, it has an adverse impact on the public mind, the professional psyche of the troops and their operational effectiveness. Frequent operational review of troop deployment in such situations is, therefore, essential. Thus there can be no objection to the PDP raising issues of troops’ reduction or repeal of the AFSPA with its ruling partner in the state or even with the Centre.

My reservations are about this being made into a threat — and in making political capital out of a sensitive strategic and security issue. In democratic countries, such decisions are taken by the political leadership on the basis of professional assessments. That is why there are institutions like the National Security Council, Cabinet Committee on Security, and so on. It is also necessary to consult the affected state governments like J&K.

... contd.