MHA to push for changes in AFSPA

Earlier attempts to get the amendments cleared by the CCS failed,with the Defence Ministry voicing strong opposition to any such attempt.

Even as unanimity continues to elude various ministries on the issue of amending the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act,the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is set to place some suggested amendments before the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) at its next meeting,likely to be held next week.

Earlier attempts to get the amendments cleared by the CCS failed,with the Defence Ministry voicing strong opposition to any such attempt.

However,sources said the MHA feels that its move could find the support of the Defence Ministry too in light of recent developments. Among other things,the MHA decision to go for the amendments has the complete backing of the J&K government and has also found positive mention in the inputs provided by the three-member interlocutor team for J&K.

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Sources said the MHA proposes making it mandatory for security forces to obtain arrest warrants in advance before making arrests and and also setting up grievance redressal cells set up to address citizens complaints against the Armed Forces.

MHA also intends to amend Section 4 (a) of the Act,which would take away the power of the armed forces to open fire causing death.

Incidentally,the same proposals were placed before the CCS about three months ago but were referred back to the MHA for reconsideration. However,the latest proposal,sources said,is similar to the earlier one and there are no changes.

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