The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act(AFSPA) has been extended for six months to address insurgency and maintain order amid ethnic violence.
About AFSPA
- It gives armed forces power to maintain public order in “disturbed areas”.
- Disturbed area can be declared under Section 3 of AFSPA when a part or whole State/ Union Territory (UT) is in such a condition that the use of armed forces in aid of civil power is necessary.
- The Central Government or Governor of State or administrator of UT can declare the whole or part of State/UT as a disturbed area.
- Special power provided to armed forces
- Use of force, including lethal force, against individuals violating the law.
- Arrest and search without a warrant.
- Immunity from prosecution without prior Central government approval.
Concerns related to AFSPA
- Human rights violations: Human rights organizations and local groups have criticized AFSPA for alleged excesses by security forces.
- Failure of Governance: AFSPA is often seen as a temporary solution to deeper political failures.
- Public distrust: Lack of transparency in military actions leads to anti-Army sentiment.
Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee about AFSPA
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