New Delhi:
The Armed Forces Special Powers (AFSP) act has been increasingly controversial, with a degree of criticism coming from various quarters on the misuse of powers. Speaking exclusively to NDTV, the Army chief said that the special powers act was necessary in special situations.
Here's an excerpt from the interview:
NDTV: Why is there is a controversy and what is your view on the demand on the dilution or withdrawal of AFSP act?
Gen Singh: I think this subject has been discussed for a long time. There are a large number of views on it. The Army has got a very simple outlook and that is like this: all the special situations require special treatment. When you are operating like a normal police man, he is protected by the CrPC. Certain assistance that is given. Similarly if you are putting armed forces into a situation like this, a certain legal protection will be given and that is all there is given. I think at times we get too carried away.
NDTV: The allegations that is constantly brought in by human rights group is the abuse and the misuse by the Army.
Gen Singh: To date let me be very categorical. 98 per cent or more of these allegations when investigated have been found to be false. A lot of allegations are instigated. Unfortunately what happens is that the NGO or Human Rights organizations, they don't know in what circumstances we operate in. They feel anything can be possible. I think we need to be careful, but I think a great amount of care is taken that we do not...our troops have got strict instructions. Well, in somewhat manner aberrations may have occurred, but that doesn't means that act has been misused.
NDTV: They always quote the example of Patribal.
Gen Singh: No, but since you came to Patribal, the information was given by the police SSP. In fact, he went to the newspaper, to TV, after the operation was over to say that this operation was successful because of me. So it is on record. Newspaper flashed his photograph, TV carried him all over. If you tell me if so and so is hiding in his house and he is terrorist, I will go and knock him down. I don't know whether he is innocent or not, I don't have the means, I just have the information given by the police.
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