Government divided on Armed Forces Special Powers Act

New Delhi: The controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) continues to evoke sharp differences within the top hierarchy of the government. The opponents of the act want it diluted but the army which operates under its protection in remote and difficult areas wants the act to be retained in its original form.

Following are the points on which the two are divided:

Point 1: Arrest, Search without warrant

Proposed Change: Warrant necessary for search
Army: In proxy war & war-like situation, can't split two functions

Point 2: Handover of suspects

Proposed Change: Handover to police, magistrate within 24 hours
Army: Handover 24 hours after end of operation and travel time

Point 3: Redressal mechanism

Proposed Change: Grievance cells at sub-division & state level
Army: Prone to misuse; army harassed even without mechanism

The Army insists that the proposed changes are acceptable in anti-riot or civil unrest, not war-like situation.